Scotland’s cultural sector underpins our music scenes, venues, festivals and creative careers. It shapes how we live, how we work, and how Scotland is seen internationally. For the music ecosystem, culture is not an add on. It is the infrastructure that allows artists, organisations and communities to thrive.
As a member of Culture Counts, the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is supporting their call for all political parties to commit to introducing A Culture Act for Scotland in the next Scottish Parliament. This reflects a shared ambition to secure long-term stability for the sector, strengthen public investment and place culture on a clearer and more sustainable footing.
What is ‘A Culture Act’?
Culture Counts and Community Leisure UK are asking for new legislation that would:
- Put culture on a clear statutory footing in Scotland
- Set out duties for public bodies to plan for, fund and report on culture
- Embed culture across wider policy areas such as health, education, communities, regeneration and the economy
These proposals recognise the scale of cultural impact on Scotland’s national wellbeing and the need for policy frameworks that support growth rather than crisis management.
The Act would be developed through a process that is:
- Consultative – shaped with the sector, local government, communities and the public
- Inclusive – centring equity and tackling unequal access to cultural opportunity
- Ambitious – planning for long-term growth and celebrating the strength of Scotland’s cultural ecosystem
Why This Matters In Scotland
A strong legislative framework for culture would create meaningful benefits for Scotland’s music sector. It could help to:
- Protect and strengthen local cultural infrastructure, including venues, festivals, libraries and community spaces
- Reduce regional inequalities in access to cultural investment, opportunity and services
- Support long-term planning, fair work and better conditions for artists, freelancers and creative workers
- Position culture as part of Scotland’s approach to wellbeing, education, innovation, economic development and place-making
This aligns with the SMIA’s aim to support a sustainable, fair and globally connected music ecosystem. A Culture Act offers a route to stability and clarity at a time when the sector continues to face financial pressure, rising costs and widening demand.
How Can I Find Out More Information About The Culture Act Campaign?
Culture Counts has developed a set of resources that explain the proposal in detail and outline why a Culture Act is needed. These include:
- A campaign overview and briefing on A Culture Act for Scotland
- Frequently Asked Questions about what the Act could achieve
- An international scan showing how other countries have legislated for culture
- A supporter toolkit with template letters, social copy and key messages
How Do I Get Involved?
The Supporter Toolkit provides practical ways for organisations, freelancers, artists, audiences and cultural workers to back the campaign. It includes:
- Template letters you can personalise and send to your MSPs or local candidates
- A coordinated open letter action aimed at gathering support from across the sector
- Suggested social media copy and graphics to help amplify the message
- Key campaign messages to use in your own communications
- Ideas for creative or organisational actions that strengthen visibility and momentum
You can explore the full set of resources, use the toolkit, and add your voice via the Culture Act campaign page.