Creative Scotland – the new body to support and develop Scotland’s creative and cultural excellence – becomes a reality today.
Announcing formal establishment of the new organisation, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said:
“Today marks a truly momentous change in the way we nurture and support Scotland’s reputation as a cradle and cultivator of talent across all art forms. A single, national body for the arts, culture and the creative industries in Scotland is what this Government promised and this is what we are now delivering.
“The route to Creative Scotland has taken many twists and turns. This Government has actively engaged with the artistic and creative community to ensure their views and needs were understood and taken on board. As a result the vision and shape of the new body are much improved.
“Today Creative Scotland officially starts its vitally important work – to support artists and creative practitioners of all kinds, to encourage enjoyment, appreciation and participation in the arts and to promote the value and benefits of the arts and cultural sector.
“I have high expectations of Sir Sandy Crombie and his board, working with Andrew Dixon and his management team. They are set to take on the challenge of ensuring that our creative communities continue to flourish. With many partners across the cultural spectrum, Creative Scotland will give our world-class artists and creative practitioners the profile they truly deserve, in this country and across the globe.”
Creative Scotland Chief Executive Andrew Dixon said:
“Creative Scotland is here. This is Scotland’s chance to develop its key strengths in the sector and bring together in a more unified way. We have a well-respected Chair, a board and a strong senior team.
I am delighted to be launching Creative Scotland at Edinburgh Printmakers – a place which has for over 40 years acted as a creative space for artists. It also participates in the Own Art scheme supported by the Creative Scotland Innovation Fund, which helps make contemporary art accessible to all.”
Creative Scotland Chair Sir Sandy Crombie said:
“I am excited about getting Creative Scotland underway and am looking forward to working with Andrew Dixon and the board to build on the good work of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen. Our early work will be on identifying the immediate priorities for Creative Scotland.”