Evelyn Tweed has welcomed additional funding for the culture and creative sector, and highlighted some of Stirling’s key cultural assets as a real driver for international visitors.
The MSP for Stirling spoke in a parliamentary debate last week (Tues 16th April) about the Scottish Government’s International Culture Strategy, which aims to create an innovative, more sustainable, and economically stronger culture and creative sector in Scotland.
The Scottish Government has pledged to increase funding for the sector by £15.8million in the next financial year, bringing it to a total of £196.6 million – despite being faced with the most challenging budget since devolution.
Latest data for the sector show that 155,000 people were employed in creative industries in 2022, contributing £4.4 billion gross value added (GVA) to Scotland’s economy in 2020.
Evelyn Tweed said: “Scotland has a reputation at home and overseas for having an ambitious and driven arts and culture sector, punching above its weight on an international stage. Stirling should be proud of its contribution to this, with sites such as City Walls bar and Stirling Castle showing our innovative and creative approach to arts and culture. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, with its unforgettable finishing line at Stirling Castle, brought around £4.5 million into the Stirling area—another example of the economic benefits of Scotland playing host to international events.
“On my recent trip to New York for Tartan Week, I was struck by the strong emotional connections that many people have to Scotland. During this visit I was able to showcase some of Stirling’s incredible events and creators including Carina Pratt from Doune, Radical Weavers from Stirling, Joanne Boyle from Cowie and the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival and I thank them for their wonderful contribution. With so much buzz and enthusiasm that surrounded us during that wonderful visit, I was left in no doubt about Scotland’s place on the global stage.
“The additional £15.8 million funding will allow our culture sector to continue to flourish and inspire greater connections worldwide. That is good for Scotland, our cultural links worldwide and for our growing economy.”
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