Written Question · S1W-20281 · Session 1
What support and encouragement it gives, or plans to give, to funding bodies for the arts in respect of offering incentives to artists and …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what support and encouragement it gives, or plans to give, to funding bodies for the arts in respect of offering incentives to artists and arts companies to target new audiences among socially and economically disadvantaged people and communities.
The answer
The Executive set out its priorities for the arts and culture in the National Cultural Strategy which was launched last year. It included a key priority to maximise the social benefits of culture. The Scottish Arts Council is exploring the aspect of audience development and its important role in the social justice agenda. The Executive announced on 25 October that additional support would be given to audience development initiatives aiming to bring people into contact with the arts. I am delighted to say that this year an additional £50,000 is being devoted specifically for this purpose and a further £50,000 to projects which promote access and participation in the arts and culture by socially excluded groups. Plans for these initiatives are being taken forward by the Scottish Arts Council.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-20281 by reference.