This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Progress towards set up of Creative Scotland
11/07/2006
A new joint Board is to be appointed for the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen as part of plans to establish Creative Scotland, a new cultural development agency.
Up to 14 appointments to the joint Board will be regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland.
It is expected that the new chairman and the ordinary members of the board will be appointed before the end of this year.
Creative Scotland will be responsible for developing talent and excellence in all branches of the arts, and the creative and screen industries
The new body to be regulated by OCPAS will need legislation to establish it and the Executive will publish a draft Bill later this year.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"The establishment of this joint board is a positive step in the development of Creative Scotland.
"It will give a new focus and clear leadership to the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen during this time of change.
"It will facilitate working arrangements as the two organisations work more closely together.
"The new cultural agency will sustain talent and provide an environment in which culture will flourish and be appreciated."
On January 19, 2006 Ms Ferguson outlined plans to invest an extra £20 million per year from April 2007 to nurture the best creative and cultural talent, and boost participation while cutting back on unnecessary bureaucracy.
Each of the existing members of Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen will be invited to apply for posts on the joint Board. The chairman will be appointed following an open competition. The persons appointed will be members of both the Scottish Arts Council and the Board of Scottish Screen Limited.