Chair named for Creative Scotland review

Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has confirmed that Dame Sue Bruce will chair a review of Creative Scotland to assess how the country’s culture sector is being supported.

Examining the funding body’s remit, functions and how it can best support the culture sector’s ambitions for renewal, the review’s recommendations are expected to be published in the summer.

Bruce has worked in local government for 40 years, including time as chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and Edinburgh City Council, from which she retired in 2015.

That same year, she was made a Dame, recognising her contribution to local government in Scotland.

Diversity of cultural funding

Bruce’s appointment comes as the Scottish government launches a survey targeted at those who work in the culture sector. The survey will inform the scope of the review and aims to understand what changes workers think should happen.

Robertson said the review will consider the diversity of potential sources of cultural funding, such as philanthropy, “to underpin a more sustainable and resilient cultural sector in the years to come”.

“The intention of this review is to ensure views the length and breadth of Scotland are heard swiftly and the vitally important contribution that artists and cultural organisations do for our nation and our identity is recognised, valued and well-supported,” said Robertson.

Announced in September 2024, the review follows a tumultuous period for Creative Scotland.

Last year, a report on Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Fund identified shortcomings, including a “long timeline, complex and extensive requirements and insufficient guidance”.

The report concluded that the application process led to less art being made in Scotland and a “raft of financial and well-being impacts” for individuals working in the arts sector.

A separate internal review into decision-making for Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals was held after political and public fallout over an award of £85,000 granted to the Rein film project.

The funding was later withdrawn amid concerns that its performers would engage in “non-simulated” sex and “hardcore” acts.

The review recommended a series of changes to Creative Scotland, including reducing the maximum amount an individual can apply for from £100,000 to £50,000 to limit the “considerable level of risk”.

Funding worries persist

Creative Scotland paused its Open Fund in August due to concerns that the Scottish government could not confirm over £6m of previously pledged support at the time.

Meanwhile, the outcomes for its 281 multi-year grant applications, amounting to £87.5m, due by the end of October, were deferred until the end of January 2025 after Holyrood admitted it could not offer Creative Scotland funding clarity until the release of its draft budget.

After a series of funding announcements and u-turns, the Scottish government confirmed in December that its budget for culture will rise by £34m this year. It also recommitted to its previous pledge to increase arts and culture funding by £100m by 2028/29.

However, concerns remain that budget measures for local councils, which are core funders for many arts and culture organisations, do not go far enough to prevent service cuts.

Last week, major Scottish arts venues reported large deficits in their annual accounts, with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Dundee Contemporary Arts both posting losses while the director of National Galleries of Scotland warned the organisation is facing possible permanent closure of one of its buildings.

‘A wealth of experience in local government’

Regarding Bruce’s appointment, Robertson said, “I’m delighted that Dame Sue Bruce has agreed to chair the Creative Scotland review. She brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in the arts and local government sectors, making her well-placed to conduct a thorough and independent review into how Creative Scotland supports the arts in Scotland.

“The 2025/26 Scottish Budget includes a record £34m uplift for culture. I am determined to maximise the impact of every penny of that.”

Bruce added, “Culture and the arts reflect our values, aspirations and history as a country, and the people who work in the sector make an invaluable contribution to our society and our economy.

“I look forward to working with the sector and Creative Scotland to ensure that its remit and functions continue to be relevant for the culture sector today, recognising that there has been much change in the sector since 2010 when Creative Scotland was first established.”