Scotland's draft budget for 2013-14 continues to invest in the cultural sector to 'support economic growth'
Kieran Lynam
The Scottish budget for the 2013-14 Cultural and External Affairs portfolio has earmarked £148.2m for the cultural sector in a budget designed to stimulate growth in a struggling economy.
Creative Scotland (CS) has received a 2% cut in its core funding, with £34.1m allocated for the next financial year. However, due to rising levels of funding from the National Lottery and a £1m for ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure projects, the Government estimates CS will have more funds at their disposal than in previous years. In a bid to help the construction industry grow, £17m is going into Capital Investment for culture funding, almost doubling the amount projected for the period in the 2011 spending review.
Protected areas include the National Performing Companies’ International Touring Fund which will receive £350k, in order “to showcase high-quality Scottish creativity and talent on a world stage” ,despite a 1% drop in funding for the five National Performing Companies overall. There is a ring-fenced £10m for the Youth Music Initiative distributed via CS, and continued funding for Edinburgh Festivals, with a total set at £2.25m, through £2m from the Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund plus £250k direct to Festivals Edinburgh. The Young Scots Fund, which supports emerging talent in innovation, sports and creativity, will continue to be funded, receiving £12.5m in 2013-14, over double the amount invested in its inaugural year this year.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop commented “Our thriving and vibrant cultural sector continues to support economic growth through the creative industries and opportunities for cultural tourism while access to high-quality cultural events and opportunities enhances quality of life for communities.
That is why - despite deep cuts to public spending imposed by the UK Government – I have prioritised my portfolio budget to minimise the impact on the sector as far as possible, as set out in the 2011 Spending Review.”
However, she did acknowledge the harsh financial climate, stressing the need for “creative, innovative and collaborative solutions” to the funding difficulties, including consideration of profit-making activities to reduce reliance on central government money.