We have united with other organisations from the cultural sector from across Scotland to launch a new campaign – #InvestInCulture – to highlight the impact and value of cultural experiences, and to call on the Scottish Government to follow through on their promise of long-term sustainable funding for the arts by increasing sector investment annually by ‘at least’ £100 million by 2028/29. Announced by the First Minister in October 2023, the commitment to the level of funding was confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson, in August 2024 in response to campaigns brought by Culture Counts and Campaign for the Arts. This included an aim of increasing culture funding by an additional £25 million in 2025/26; aligning with the first year of the new Creative Scotland Multi-Year funding programme.
Along with ourselves, key Scottish culture organisations including Artlink, Craft Scotland, Culture Counts, Culture and Business Scotland, Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Contemporary Art Network, Federation of Scottish Theatre, Festivals Edinburgh, The Scottish Games Network, Publishing Scotland and Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland have called on the release of these vital funds through the #InvestInCulture campaign ahead of the Scottish Government’s draft budget announcement on Wednesday 4 December.
#InvestInCulture will highlight the contribution of those working in music, literature, film, art, craft, theatre, opera and dance alongside the wider performing arts to life in Scotland. While the Scottish Government’s budget contribution of 0.56% of national spend on culture compared to the European average of 1.5% puts it at the bottom of the league tables, Scottish arts organisations continue to over deliver on limited resources, but the sector cannot be sustained without essential increased investment. Whether attending live events or participating in cultural activities, 9 out of 10 Scots value the impact culture makes on their lives, and the campaign calls on everyone who values culture to add their voices and advocate for investment into the sector.
As an engine for economic growth, the Creative Industries contribute more than £5 billion to the Scottish economy every year. They comprise over 15,000 businesses employing more than 70,000 people and make a vital contribution to Scotland’s national wealth and international reputation.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign Robert Kilpatrick, our CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “Scotland’s cultural sector is more than just a nice to have; it’s a cornerstone of our national identity, an engine for economic growth and a foundation for social wellbeing.
The value of investing in culture is clear, and it’s a triple bottom line return. A well-supported cultural sector drives economic growth through tourism, job creation and local spending, with revenue helping fund our public services. Socially, it fosters inclusion, mental wellbeing and civic pride. And culturally, it sustains the art, heritage and stories that help define who we are both collectively and individually; allowing us to make sense of the past, and supporting us in shaping our future.
But to reap these benefits, the cultural sector needs committed, sustained investment over the long term. The strength of our sector lies in its people, and right now, many of those people are facing burnout, stress and existential threats to their work and livelihoods.
Having recently met with the Culture Secretary to discuss both urgent funding challenges and building the support mechanisms needed for a sustainable future, it is clear that the intent and vision are there. But we now need to see it turned into action by the Scottish Government, starting with next month’s budget announcement.
Together, we call on the Scottish Government to confirm a coherent timeline to achieve the promised increased investment of £100 million annually by 2028/29, including the incremental increase of £25 million by 1 April next year. This is essential to ensure that Scotland’s cultural sector is supported, safeguarded and sustained in the years to come, with the benefits to be shared by everyone who calls Scotland home.”
Rod Jones of Idlewild and Post Electric Studios said:
“Art in all forms is crucial to growth, well-being, joy and life. To be truly artistic, relevant and unimpaired, art is not always commercial so government support and funding is crucial to growing a healthy arts scene, nurturing and developing new and existing talents to showcase what incredible artists Scotland can and has produced.”
Shirley Manson of Garbage said: “The arts must be protected at all costs inside of a flailing capitalist system. They are fundamental to educating and fostering a healthy, joyous community and culture.”
Nathan Coley, Turner Prize nominated artist, said: “Culture is how we talk to the world, talk to each other, and it creates a space for meaningful engagement with others. A very useful and important thing for small nations to have.”
Rona Munro, Playwright and Screenwriter, said: “The Scottish government should continue to fund the arts because you cannot have a healthy society without a healthy culture. We are always, now, talking in terms of survival, pleading for money, over and over we have to justify our value. In a world without, drama, music, art and all other creative activity our value would, too late, become horribly apparent. The creative arts are where communities come together, to see each other, to argue, to communicate, to grow, to express the invisible and intangible things that are part of our shared lives. That is activity that should be vibrant in every school, every community hall, every venue, every corner of the nation. But it can’t be in all those places without subsidy. So if you want a healthy community, subsidise it.”
Actor and Director David Hayman said: “It is vital that the Scottish Government immediately release the first installment of the funding promised for the Arts in Scotland.
The Arts bring immeasurable benefits to any Society while at the same time bringing millions of pounds of revenue into the public coffers. It is a no brainer. It is value for money in anyone’s book.
Through Theatre, literature, music, film and dance we tell the stories that reflect who we are, stories that reflect the health and vibrancy of our country, that reflect and release the potential of our Youth and give shape to the dreams of our people.”
#InvestinCulture calls for more voices to support the campaign by:
- Sharing the impact that music, literature, film, art, craft, theatre and dance and the wider performing arts has made to your life. Contributions are being welcomed and highlighted by using the hashtag #InvestInCulture.
- Write to your MSP to support the campaign (template letter available on the Culture Counts website, along with a directory of MSPs)
- Share our #InvestInCulture graphic across your social channels, available to download here.