Andy Goldsworthy Stonehouse at Jupiter Artland
Creative Scotland is the new single public body for the arts and culture in Scotland, encompassing the creative industries. Its formation as a public body is proposed through the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 28 May 2009 by John Swinney MSP
Stage 1 of the Bill process includes scrutiny by the Finance Committee, which is the lead committee for this Bill. The Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee is also scrutinising aspects of the Bill as a secondary committee. Both committees are seeking evidence by 14/12 August 2009.
The Finance Committee is issuing this call for evidence inviting individuals and interested parties to submit views on the Bill in writing. The Committee is interested to hear the views of all organisations, bodies and individuals on the proposals contained within the Bill and their likely impact.
The Committee is seeking views on the general principles of the Bill and in particular—
- The Scottish Goverments overall policy objectives in introducing the Bill and, in particular, whether the Bill is likely to—
” help simplify and improve the landscape of Scottish public bodies, to deliver more effective, co-ordinated government that can better achieve its core functions for the benefit of the people of Scotland”
- Whether, in light of the current financial situation, this is the appropriate time to be pursuing both the Bill in particular and the wider public services reform programme?
- Whether the simplification of public bodies identified in part 1 of the Bill is consistent with the policy objectives of the Bill?
- Whether the order-making powers proposed in part two of the Bill are appropriate in seeking to deliver a—
“public sector landscape and public sector functions that are proportionate, responsive and efficient.”?
Whether the proposed duty on listed scrutiny authorities to secure continuous improvement in part 6 of the Bill is likely to ensure that users of public services are better involved?
Whether the proposals in parts four and five of the Bill are consistent with the five guiding principles recommended by the Crerar Review of public focus, independence, proportionality, transparency and accountability?
Whether the cost estimates set out in the Financial Memorandum appear to be robust and any comments on the other accompanying documents?
The Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee is seeking evidence on:
- the establishment of Creative Scotland as a new arts body replacing the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen;
- Do you have any comments on the relevant consultation the Scottish Government carried out prior to the introduction of the Bill?
- the establishment of Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS), which would replace the current Social Work Inspection Agency and Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, and the repeal of the Joint Inspection of Children’s Services and Inspection of Social Work Services (Scotland) Act 2006; and
- the dissolution of the Historic Environment Advisory Council for Scotland (HEACS) due to perceived duplication with Historic Scotland.
In addition to commenting on the general principles of these aspects of the Bill, it would be helpful to the committee if interested parties would also consider the following questions:
- How helpful do you find the relevant aspects of the policy memorandum and financial memorandum accompanying the Bill?
This blog is a space where I will be drafting my submissions to the Committees. I am an advocate for Creative Scotland and believe a single, expert, strategic body which is streamlined, fleet and flexible can effectively advocate for and support the arts and creative industries in and for Scotland.
Creative Scotland has the potential to be a cultural agency fit for the 21st century and one which establishes Scotland as a leader. A concept which was conceived in devolution, it has been subject to testing, challenge and refinement and now is ready for the scrutiny of the Scottish Parliament through the PSRB.
Progress in the last year
It is important to note the significant progress which has been achieved during the last year since Creative Scotland was last debated in Parliament:
1. Clarification of roles
The respective roles of public agencies has been clarified in the Creative Industries Partnership Agreement
2. Detailed background material
There is a significant body of background information on the rationale, business case and costs of achieving Creative Scotland
3. New Structures and Timeframes
The establishment of an interim limited company, Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd to manage the final phases of transition, and the extra time afforded by the PSRB as the governing legislation, has benefited the project, with more consultation with the sector and stakeholders.
During the last six months I have had the opportunity to consider the benefits of Creative Scotland in an international context. Discourse in public fora or with other governments and strategic agencies invariably reaches some common conclusions:
1. we need our public, cultural strategic agencies to be fit for purpose in the 21st century – reflecting the way that art and creative engagement has changed and changes at a fast pace and in particular the impact of the revolution in communications through the internet and digital media
2. we need to focus the use of public investment in ‘front line’ services and need our public agencies to be as lean as possible; artists and creative practitioners, creative hubs and core infrastructure must be supported
3. the arts, culture and creative industries are all part of the wider creative economy and support is a game of many players where partnership is key
Different nations and regions have different responses to these needs. Scotland as a small country as an opportunity through Creative Scotland to create a public agency that can deliver in a way which is both innovate and effective.
