The Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has committed that “over the next five years we will more than double our investment in Scotland’s arts and culture”.
This highly significant pledge, delivered as part of his keynote speech to the SNP Conference in Aberdeen, follows two major interventions by the Campaign for the Arts against cuts to Creative Scotland this year.
Reacting to the announcement, Jack Gamble, Director of the Campaign for the Arts, said:
“Thousands joined our campaign to speak up for the arts in Scotland, and we’re delighted that the First Minister has listened. His commitment to ‘more than double’ cultural investment will benefit millions.
Humza Yousaf is absolutely right to acknowledge that the arts bring joy and prosperity. After years of real-terms cuts and a further £6.6m cut this year, a change of direction is exactly what’s needed.
However, to prevent closures and job losses, the Scottish Government needs to act fast. It’s crucial that the move to increase investment and rebuild trust begins with a meaningful uplift in December’s draft budget.”
