The Cultural Commission was established by Frank McAveety MSP, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in April 2004 to undertake a review. A review which presents a "generational opportunity – to look seriously and maturely at our culture and decide the framework for its support in the future".
The Cultural Commission's remit as outlined in the Cultural Policy Statement; April 2004 takes its inspiration and direction from the First Minister Jack McConnell’s St Andrew’s speech in 2003. And, in order to establish Scotland as a "vibrant, cosmopolitan, competitive country and an internationally recognised creative hub", Scotland needs a new cultural vision and a radically different way of delivering and sustaining cultural services and activities. This implies significant change.
The Commission's task is to take the policy (the remit) and to provide practical recommendations on how Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Executive implement it.
The Commission's remit is wide-ranging and includes: the consideration of cultural rights and entitlements; the responsibilities of public sector agencies and local authorities; guidance for the private and voluntary sectors; and an assessment of the current institutional infrastructure, to name but a few elements.
The Commission is asked to comment and advise on the wider cultural sector including: the arts (including drama, dance, literature, music, the visual arts, crafts, film and all branches of these); the creative industries; museums and heritage; libraries; archives; architecture and relationships with events, festivals and sport.
The Commission has, as directed, taken its inspiration and direction from the First Minister’s speech and has created its vision for Scotland in 2030.