A new cultural strategy published by the Scottish government states that ‘culture is central to Scotland’s wellbeing and cultural, social, economic and environmental prosperity’ and advocates culture as ‘a central consideration across all policy areas, including: health and wellbeing, economy, education, reducing inequality and realising a greener and more innovative future’.
Announced by Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop on 28 February 2020, A Culture Strategy for Scotland announces the creation of an advisory group – the National Partnership for Culture – to inform ministers about matters relating to the arts, as well as proposals to support the expansion and development of Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland and to work with Creative Scotland and Education Scotland to help improve cultural experiences for learners of all ages.
In her introduction to the strategy document, Hyslop writes:
‘The context of the strategy is a time of unprecedented financial and societal challenges. It has never been more important to develop new, and strengthen existing, partnerships and local and national leadership. We in the Scottish Government want to support the work in communities, organisations and by individuals to boost the benefits of culture’s role for wellbeing.
‘I want the conversation to continue and for words to become actions. That is why I am establishing a National Partnership for Culture to take a comprehensive view of our cultural landscape and advise my fellow Ministers and me on how we can support culture more effectively. The partnership will seek views from across the culture and other sectors to create better understanding and synergies. And we will continue that cultural conversation as we strive to strengthen, transform and empower.’
