Plans to establish Creative Scotland - the body that will support the country's creative practitioners and the Scottish Government's cultural policy plans were set out today.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani said:
"I believe that government should not arbitrate on artistic decisions. That is why Creative Scotland and artists themselves will have the freedom and power to determine their own creative direction.
"This body will have a licence from the Government to take risks - to stimulate controversy and challenge accepted thinking. I believe its efforts will inspire and support a culturally cosmopolitan Scotland - one which attracts and retains increasing numbers of talented people.
Richard Holloway, Chairman, Joint Board of Scottish Screen and Scottish Arts Council said:
"We welcome the Minister's support for Creative Scotland and her confirmation that the Bill will establish it at the heart of our public life. We are glad that she has calmed the anxieties of many in the sector by confirming her commitment to the principle of artistic independence.
"The formation of Creative Scotland offers us an unrivalled opportunity to place creativity at the heart of the nation's life and we intend to rise to the challenge."
The Creative Scotland Bill will be introduced to Parliament early next year. The Creative Scotland Bill will endorse Creative Scotland's autonomy in providing support and encouragement to creative practitioners and artists.
Progress towards set up of Creative Scotland
Scottish Executive,
07 November 2007, Scotland