As part of the previous Administration's cultural policy 'Scotland's Culture', a draft Culture (Scotland) Bill was published for consultation in December 2006. It made proposals about:
- Local provision of cultural activities
- Establishing a new national cultural development body, 'Creative Scotland', to replace the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen
- Changes to the law connected to the management of local museums and libraries
- Changes to the governing legislation of the National Collections
- Remedying an anomaly in local authorities' powers to broadcast as well as publish information about their functions
- Changes to the law in relation to criminal offences about dealing in 'tainted' cultural objects
The consultation responses were enthusiastic about creating a new cultural development body. Having considered the responses to the draft Culture (Scotland) Bill, Ministers have decided to and introduce legislation to establish 'Creative Scotland' only.
As regards the remaining sections of the draft Culture (Scotland) Bill, Ministers want to consider how to take those forward and may consider legislating for some sections at a later date.
The establishment of Creative Scotland sits well with the themes of our manifesto, which look to maximise the contributions of creativity to Scotland. The Scottish Arts Council, the current national cultural body, is a body established by Royal Charter and Scottish Screen is a company limited by guarantee, wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers. Both bodies will be amalgamated to create the new national cultural development body 'Creative Scotland'.
The Creative Scotland Bill will:
- Establish a new national cultural development body called 'Creative Scotland'
- Have a statutory remit to promote an understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts and culture in all sections of society
- Seek 'Creative Scotland' to identify, develop and support talent and excellence
- Seek 'Creative Scotland' to work across all creative sectors to realise the benefits of the arts and culture
- Dissolve the Scottish Arts Council by statute
Creative Scotland will also be asked to develop national good practice advice on strategic matters (e.g. ways to develop the voluntary cultural sector). The body will assist all branches of the arts, film and the wider screen industries.
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