This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Arts Council festival reception
19/08/2004
The Edinburgh Festivals are central to the celebration
of culture that is taking place in Scotland this summer,
Culture Minister Frank McAveety said today.
Speaking at the Scottish Arts Council Festival reception
for artists, he said that Scotland is a small country with
a large ambition - to be confident in its artistry,
abundant in its creativity, and international in its
outlook.
Mr McAveety said:
"The Festivals continue to build on their success year
on year, attracting record audiences and in providing one
of the most diverse, stimulating and exciting cultural
events taking place anywhere in the world.
"They attract large numbers of tourists from across the
globe. Scotland and Edinburgh welcome them with open arms -
not just for the economic benefits they bring, but for the
important role they play in the city at this time.
"The visitors - cultural or otherwise - are a vital
component in the very special atmosphere that is created in
Edinburgh.
"The Scottish Executive is proud of what the Festivals
have achieved in the past and supportive of what they hope
to do in the future. Our investment in the arts and culture
is substantial; Executive funding has shown year on year
above inflation increases and is to rise to £160 million in
2005-06.
"Scotland today has some of the most exciting and
diverse arts and cultural experiences available in the
world. Our visual artists, musicians, designers, writers,
actors, theatre directors and film makers are acclaimed at
home and abroad."