UnCreaive Sncotlad?
As the arts world waits for a clear proposal from Creative Scotland, the current stalemate is potentially damaging, argues Robin Hodge
cotland has witnessed a remarkable
flowering of creative talent over
the past three decades with our writers. artists. theatre companies. designers. filmmakers. actors and musicians creating work of significance that has been acclaimed internationally.
While creative talent cannot be conjured tip by government edict. ftmding from the public purse has played a crucial role in helping support and nurture artists. The Scottish Arts Council. for all its faults and excessive bureaucracy. can claim credit for contributing to this success.
It is now more than three years since the proposal was first put forward to merge the SA(‘ and Scottish Screen and fold them both into a new organisation. At that stage it was one of over l()() recommendations contained in the report of the (‘ultural Commission. It was also proposed that this new body. ('reative Scotland. take control of the ('reative Industries budget of Scottish linterprise.
The idea was picked tip by the Labour/Lib Dem administration and last year backed by the new S.\'l’ government. The arts contrnttttity"s response was to ask how the plan would work in practice. on what principles would the new organisation be run. what arts expertise would it be able to draw on and what level of funding would it be given.
These were all crucial questions as there
are real dangers involved in any move to abandon independent decision making and suck arts funding into the remit of civil servants obliged to follow government policy. It is essential that any proposed new structure has adequate assurances that the funding would be allocated on the basis of art for arts sake.
(‘onsultants were commissioned. transition boards established. the months rolled by. the costs mounted tip. The artists and companies all expected meaningful consultation but no detailed proposals have been forthcoming.
A collective of 4()() Scottish artists has launched a petition calling time on the whole process. We cannot keep waiting for detailed proposals. They are right. we should not disband the structures that exist on the nebulous suggestion that something better will one day be proposed.
There is a real danger of fttrther paralysis and damaging disruption to the arts if the Scottish government attempt to ahead with this vague and misconceived idea. ('ulture minister Linda l’abiani should abandon the whole proposal for a new agency. There is currently every reason to allow the Scottish Arts (‘ouncil and Scottish Screen to continue their work supporting the arts and culture of the country which contribute so much to our life and to Scotland‘s international reputation.
press
Film companies Crate and MG ALBA have announced details of an all Gaelic film festival to be held between 22—24 Jan at the CCA in Glasgow, presented as part of this year’s Celtic Connections festival. Held over three days, the festival will showcase some of the best-known Gaelic programmes in recent years and includes talks, debates and screenings. The film screenings and workshops are free and tickets for the live music events are £12.50. To book call 0141 353 8000 or visit www. celticconnections.
The award- winning Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery has announced plans for a day of role reversal at a special fundraising event in aid of Quarriers, Bridge of Weir on Mon 26 Jan. Front of house staff will don their chefs' hats in the kitchen, while the chefs will take on waiting duties. See www.twofatladies restaurant.com or call 0141 221 8188 for more info.
ROAD TO NOWHERE
I More controversy with the trams this month, as Edinburgh councillors are forced to make a decision on whether Princes Street will be closed to traffic for a year, while works are carried out on the tram route. Many suggest that not closing it entirely could lead to further delays on the project, taking the deadline into 2010, instead of November of this year, as planned.
BACK IN THE TARDIS After recovering from a back
roblem, David
ennanthas confirmed he will start filmin a Dr Who speci in late Ianuary. The series of four specials will be Tennant’s last before handing the TARDIS keys on to new Doctor Matt Smith.
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8—22 Jan 2009 THE LIST 9