Place-making at the heart of plans for Scotland

Supporting excellence in and access to artistic and creative experiences through a diverse and skilled workforce is at the heart of the core priorities listed in Creative Scotland’s  draft ten-year Strategic Plan, which has been published for a period of consultation leading to a final version in April. But the Plan also sets out a vision for transforming places, improving quality of life and establishing Scotland as a distinctive creative nation. Together, these themes will guide its work over the next ten years, and in the shorter term will inform its own development plan, its funding guidelines and decision making over the period 2014-17.

The emphasis given to the role of culture and creativity in affirming communities across the country reflects the recognition given by Creative Scotland to ‘place-making’. The publication of the Plan has coincided with its 2014 ‘Creative Place Awards’, which celebrate contributions to the cultural life and wellbeing of Scotland’s smaller communities. The initiative focuses on creative programmes in areas beyond Scotland’s main cities, with award winners in three categories – communities with fewer than 2,500, 10,000 and 100,000 residents. Nominees were selected for the wide involvement of their whole communities as well as the track record of their existing creative programmes. This year’s winners – Helmsdale, Peebles and Falkirk – will share £300k in prize money, which will be used to extend and promote their creative activity throughout the year.

In the draft Plan Creative Scotland sets out its vision that “Places and quality of life are transformed through imagination, ambition and an understanding of the potential of creativity” and there is specific recognition of the value of closer partnerships with local authorities and other agencies to “help communities transform through creativity.” The strategy also recognises the importance of “improved knowledge and understanding of how creativity generates wellbeing across the full spectrum of society” and that creative and cultural organisations need to be more visible across all parts of Scotland, and creating more employment opportunities.

When a final strategy is published, CS will also set out its thoughts on how
different artforms, screen and the creative industries will be developed, and will produce companion commentaries that respond to feedback from its recent reviews and consultation with people and organisations working in each sector. The 10-year vision will be supplemented each year with an Annual Plan setting out detailed activities and budgets.