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Full steam ahead for Creative Scotland
25/03/2010
Plans to establish the new cultural development body, Creative Scotland, will now be accelerated, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said today.
Welcoming the Scottish Parliament's approval of the Public Services Reform Bill, Ms Hyslop added:
"Following Royal Assent, Creative Scotland will formally come into existence in the summer.
"Today's decision by the Scottish Parliament means that plans can now move up a gear on a variety of fronts - such as recruitment to key posts in the new organisation, developing a series of meaningful relationships with other bodies, progressing practical issues like branding and premises.
"Creative Scotland will create a new dynamic that reflects the increasing convergence of art forms and the wealth of creative talent and expertise in Scotland today. That cultural excellence deserves to be recognised, valued, nurtured and supported.
"The new body will build on the successes of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, putting artists and creative practitioners at the heart of all its activities. It will enhance Scotland's international reputation for cultural excellence, and enable more people in Scotland to enjoy and take part in cultural activities. I expect Creative Scotland to help realise the potential contribution of art and creativity to every part of our society and economy.
"It is important for the new organisation and the range of relationships it will develop to have the arm's length principle enshrined in legislation, preserving the degree of independence that is so valued by the cultural sector.
"The final organisation should be all the better for the sterling preparatory work undertaken over the past 12 months by Ewan Brown and the board of Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd."
Creative Scotland is expected to be formally established as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) in the summer, following Royal Assent to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill. Its role will be to:
- identify, support and develop quality and excellence in the arts and culture
- promote understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts and culture
- encourage as many people as possible to access and participate in the arts and culture
- realise the value and benefits of the arts and culture
- encourage and support creative endeavours that contribute to an understanding of Scotland's national culture
- promote and support commercial activity focused on the application of creative skills
Creative Scotland will be the first Scottish public body to have equal legal status for its Gaelic and English names. This is a further demonstration of the Government's strong commitment to the principle of according equal respect to Gaelic and English languages.
Creative Scotland's Gaelic name will be Alba Chruthachail.