Scottish Government Boosts Culture Budget by 20 Million Pounds

The Scottish government has announced a £20 million increase in cultural funding over the next three years, a 10% rise in spending. This decision follows a decline in National Lottery income, which previously provided 40% of Creative Scotland's budget but has now dropped to 25%. Creative Scotland, the executive body distributing funds to arts organizations, will meet on January 18, 2018, to finalize the budget for 2018/19 and outline a three-year funding plan. CEO Janet Archer stated that the increase underscores the government's commitment to culture's role in people's lives and its cultural, social, and economic value. The move was influenced by pressure from over 100 Scottish writers and poets, including Irvine Welsh, Alexander McCall Smith, and Jackie Kay, who signed an open letter urging Finance Secretary Derek Mackay to avoid cuts and increase arts funding. This mirrors similar advocacy that saved Le Plateau in Paris and the Maxxi L'Aquila project in Italy.