Artists support call for fresh start at arts body

Arts Correspondent

Thursday 18 October 2012

More than 400 artists have signed a letter calling for Creative Scotland to make a fresh start.

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Phil Miller Arts Correspondent

It means the number of leading figures who have backed the campaign has quadrupled from the 100 who initially put their names to it.

Authors Janice Galloway, Louise Welsh and Des Dillon, the composer Sally Beamish, and the actor Tam Dean Burn are among more than 300 who have added their names to the letter which was sent to the national arts body's chairman Sir Sandy Crombie.

It calls for a "fresh start" because it is guilty of "ill-conceived decision-making, unclear language, and a lack of empathy and regard for Scottish culture".The letter, which has added weight to two internal inquiries by Creative Scotland into its operations and use of Lottery money, was put online last week and has generated a wave of new support.Two artists' meetings, to be held in Edinburgh and Glasgow later this month, have maintained the momentum of the campaign to reform the funding body, which distributes £80 million in Government and National Lottery funds to artists and arts companies throughout Scotland.Ms Beamish says on the petition: "We need ongoing stability, not constant uncertainty. "The arts in Scotland should be recognised as crucially important, both socially and economically. We have a unique and vibrant culture, which needs consistent nurture and support to thrive."Welsh adds: "Creative Scotland has lost the confidence of artists, writers and craftspeople. "The arts in Scotland need and deserve support from a funding body that respects practitioners rather than regarding them as some kind of capital."The letter, which was responded to twice by Sir Sandy and led to a "sort it out" message from Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, was prompted by growing dismay in the arts world over Creative Scotland, its funding policies and communication.Two internal inquiries – led by groups of board members – will file their reports before Christmas.

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Artists support call for fresh start at arts body

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