Fresh and flexible

The future is a deeply uncertain place for the arts. What is clear, though, is that the sector needs fresh approaches to leadership and organisation. As we all know, traditional funding sources are in sharp decline, while change and upheaval have become the norm. High hurdles stand in the way of the arts and their capacity to play a full role in society as a source of pleasure, challenge, inspiration, prosperity, health and wellbeing.

It is often difficult to progress because established models for commissioning and strategic leadership are sometimes ill-suited to an era of slender resources, which demands agility, transparency and democratisation. The need for renewal was brought home to us in Dumfries and Galloway with great force by the collapse of dgArts, the regional arts agency. It was a painful experience, but one which galvanised many in the sector and gave rise to the Fresh Start for the Arts initiative, which sought a way forward.

By having elected bodies, clear goals and time limits we are creating a structure that will adapt quickly and positively to shifting circumstances

A year of detailed analysis, interviews and consultations were carried out by consultants Kathleen O’Neill and Peter Stark, who made recommendations for a new structure which puts the sector far more in charge of its own future. The final results were unveiled in November at a day-long event and were described as “revolutionary” by Kenneth Fowler, Creative Scotland’s Director of Communications and External Relations.

At the Dumfries conference we took a definitive stride away from the centralised and bureaucratised agency-style approach, to one which will be led by an elected chamber of arts which will:

• represent the sector regionally and nationally
• advise the local authority on contracts, commissions and other issues
• implement the 2013−15 programme of development
• work with the arts sector and council to develop a 2015−16 arts programme.

Those who are commissioned to deliver the arts programme will be brought together to form a regional arts hub.

Dumfries and Galloway is vast, sparse and beautiful. It covers 2,400 square miles, or 8% of Scotland but has a population of just 150,000. That is 60 people per square mile compared to 650 for the whole of the UK. It also has four distinct areas – Wigtownshire, Nithsdale, the Stewartry, and Annandale & Eskdale. The region claims to have more artists per head than any other part of Scotland. True or not, it has attracted and nurtured a large, vibrant creative community that excels in areas such as visual and environmental art (and has a host of superb festivals). It is a community which is aware of its strengths, weaknesses and potential to engage with new audiences.

In recognition of this character, the new structure will have local arts hubs run by artists and producers covering the four districts. The regional and local hubs are each being supported by commissioned arts convenors – cultural planning professionals as enablers. One factor we had to take into account was that Creative Scotland, the national arts body, is in flux and there may be changes to who it funds and how.

By having elected bodies, clear goals and time limits we are creating a structure that will adapt quickly and positively to shifting circumstances. Over the next couple of years strategic commissions will be used to:

• improve cross-sector partnerships
• strengthen key cultural institutions
• deliver exciting pilot arts
• prepare the sector for major funding bids in the future
• organise a major national and international festival for 2015
• develop a regional plan to commence in 2015.

That means taking action on a variety of fronts. These include developing rural touring, nurturing creative young people, winning funds, creating national and international alliances, and attracting visitors.

Fresh Start, which has been run by the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Partnership with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council and Creative Scotland, has the advantage that the agenda has been set by the sector itself. And by working on the basis of commissions, we are always propelled by what is deliverable.

Ours is a bold plan and a necessary one. Dumfries and Galloway, like many places, faces huge problems of economic decline, an aging population, social isolation, splintering structures and a growth in chronic illnesses. Fresh Start positions artists to be part of a bright and imaginative set of solutions. For this reason it is already attracting attention across the country as others search for flexible and effective ways to use limited resources to unleash the maximum creative energy.

Cathy Agnew is Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Arts Partnership.
www.freshstartforthearts.com