14th January 2025:
I am pleased to contribute to the debate, and I welcome members’ speeches.
Arts and culture play a vital role in the lives of people across Scotland. They enrich our communities, support our economy and provide a space for creativity and connection. I fully support the motion, which recognises the profound value of culture and its impact on wellbeing, education and social inclusion.
The Scottish Government’s commitment to front-line arts and culture funding, with £34 million allocated in the draft budget for 2025-26, is a welcome and much-needed step at a time when culture investment is being cut in other parts of the UK. The Scottish Government continues to invest in its culture sector, acknowledging the role of culture in both individual wellbeing and the economic prosperity of communities. That stark contrast highlights how much we in Scotland value culture as not a luxury but a core part of who we are.
Culture encompasses language, literature, traditions, arts and more. However, we know that access to culture is not always equitable. Research from the National Trust for Scotland highlights how existing inequalities affect cultural participation.
Ensuring access to culture can tackle social isolation, improve mental health and foster a sense of belonging. It also drives economic growth, both at the national level—through international festivals that have already been spoken about, such as the Edinburgh festival fringe, which brings millions to our economy each year—and at the local level, through smaller, community-based events. The 2020 culture strategy for Scotland recognises those benefits and emphasises the empowerment of communities through cultural participation.
That approach is evident in my constituency, where innovative organisations are making a real difference. We have already heard about Sistema Scotland, and I am happy to talk about it again. Its Big Noise programme in Raploch has transformed lives through music, by providing free, high-quality orchestral tuition to children.
Big Noise fosters creativity, discipline and confidence, and brings families and communities together, building resilience and pride. Independent evaluations show that the Big Noise programme improves educational attainment, mental health and social skills, demonstrating the lasting impact of cultural investment. As a flagship community project in Scotland, Big Noise is an excellent example of how culture can have a direct positive impact on some of our most deprived areas, giving young people an opportunity to succeed and realise their potential.
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum continues to play a central role in preserving and showcasing local heritage. With a diverse range of exhibitions and outreach programmes, it engages people of all ages to have a deeper connection to Stirling’s history and identity. To pick up on Murdo Fraser’s points, I am hopeful that funding will be found from the budget of the local authority, which is run by Labour and the Tories, to help that amazing organisation.
Creative Stirling adds another layer of vibrancy by supporting local artists. Creative Stirling is an amazing local organisation, and its work bridges the gap between grass-roots creativity and wider community engagement. That ensures that urban and rural Stirling remains a hub of cultural activity. I cannot forget the amazing work that all those organisations did during the pandemic, which really kept local people going.
Stirling Pride, which was held for the first time in September, is another example of culture bringing communities together. The event featured music, theatre and art workshops, while businesses and charities hosted inclusive activities. Feedback from the event highlighted demand for more regular LGBTQ+ events across Stirling, particularly in rural areas. Organisers have already responded by securing funding for a rural pride tour, bringing cultural activities such as ceilidhs, concerts and film screenings to smaller communities.
Rural Scotland is disadvantaged when it comes to access to arts and culture, but by addressing barriers such as cost, accessibility and transport, those events will ensure that cultural opportunities are truly inclusive. Through them, rural communities from Strathblane to Killin, and Fallin to Aberfoyle, are being connected in new and exciting ways.
We must thank volunteers whose contributions to culture in Scotland are invaluable, and ensure that funding processes are streamlined and easy to navigate to ensure take-up. Investment in arts and culture is an investment in Scotland’s people and future. Scotland’s approach to cultural investment sets us apart from the rest of the UK, where austerity measures have resulted in cuts to culture. As we look ahead, we must build on our proud legacy of cultural investment, ensuring that Scotland remains a leader in cultural accessibility, inclusion and creativity.
