More than 70 of Scotland’s leading artists, writers and cultural organisations have signed a new open letter urging all political parties to commit to delivering A Culture Act for Scotland in the next Scottish Parliamentary term.
The artist and sector led letter, published on Burns Night (25 January 2026), calls on party leaders and culture spokespeople to back new legislation that would strengthen long-term support for Scotland’s cultural life, recognising its economic, social and creative value.
The SMIA is proud to be among the signatories, alongside figures from across music, literature, theatre, visual arts and cultural leadership.
The letter supports Culture Counts’ call for a Culture Act and asks all parties to commit to bringing forward new legislation in the upcoming Holyrood session. It frames this as a non-partisan issue, focused on enriching lives, creating opportunity, and securing Scotland’s cultural future.
Why A Culture Act Matters
The open letter highlights culture as one of Scotland’s most valuable assets, playing a vital role in economic growth, international reputation, education, community cohesion, and health and social care.
While acknowledging the sector’s existing impact, signatories argue there is significant untapped potential that could be unlocked through a clearer policy framework focused on long-term resilience and sustainable growth.
The letter sets out three core principles for an effective Culture Act:
- Consultative – developed in collaboration with the sector, the public, and partners across related policy areas, and responsive to the diverse needs of communities across Scotland.
- Inclusive – centring equity and recognising that access to cultural participation and creation is not experienced equally by all.
- Ambitious – celebrating the strength and breadth of Scotland’s cultural sector, and maximising opportunities for it to thrive for everyone, over the long term.
Signatories emphasise that a Culture Act could help deliver lasting access to cultural life, improve outcomes for children and young people, and empower the next generation of creative innovators and ambassadors.
Who Has Signed The Open Letter
The letter has been signed by a wide cross-section of Scotland’s cultural community, including Brian Cox, Val McDermid, Sir Ian Rankin, Alan Cumming, Ali Smith, Karine Polwart, Kathryn Joseph, Hamish Hawk and Eddi Reader.
Support also spans senior cultural leaders and organisations, including Robert Kilpatrick (our CEO and Creative Director at the Scottish Music Industry Association), Tony Lankester (CEO, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society), Ola Wojtkiewicz (Executive Director, Creative Edinburgh), Jenny Niven (Director and CEO, Edinburgh International Book Festival), Irene Kernan (Director, Craft Scotland) and many others working across music, theatre, literature, festivals and community culture.
Together, the signatories reflect the breadth of Scotland’s creative ecosystem and a shared concern for its future.
Next Steps
The letter calls on Scotland’s political parties to commit to developing a Culture Act in the next parliamentary session, working in partnership with the cultural sector and the public to ensure the legislation is meaningful, inclusive and future-facing.
The SMIA will continue to support this campaign as part of our wider advocacy work, championing a strong, equitable and sustainable music and cultural ecosystem for everyone in Scotland.
You can read the Open Letter here.