The Scottish Arts Council has released Taking Part, a survey on levels of attendance and participation in the arts and cultural activities and attitudes towards the arts amongst the adult population of Scotland. The Council commissioned the report in February 2004. Similar studies have been undertaken in 1991, 1994, 1998 and 2001, to enable the tracking of changes and trends. The survey - in two volumes - encompasses data on: attendance (type, reasons, likelihood of return etc); perception of value for money; participation (frequency, nature etc); viewing and listening habits; attitudes towards the arts; awareness of the Scottish Arts Council, and more. Key findings include:

75% of respondents indicated that they had attended an arts or cultural activity within the previous year;

approximately 39% of Scottish adults would consider attending an arts or cultural activity that they have never been to before; and

49% of respondents indicated that they were ‘very or quite interested’ in arts and cultural events generally, a slight increase from previous surveys. Volume 2 of the report focuses on the same data gathering within traditionally under-represented groups. Groups covered in the report include: Minority ethnic communities; residents of deprived areas; disabled people; women; and residents of rural areas. To access Volume 1 (main report) online as a PDF document, CLICK HERE. To access Volume 2 (under-represented groups) as a PDF document, CLICK HERE