As funding becomes ever more difficult to come by for groups and organisations in the Culture sector, the Scottish Government is asking for your views on what importance does the public place on cultural activities and events.

The cost of living crisis, the Covid pandemic, and rising prices since the UK left the world’s largest free trade market, the EU, – has resulted in most funding streams going towards basic needs. Understandably, working with a limited budget, the Scottish Government has targeted funds that will help and support those most vulnerable in our society. The UK’s 2 Child Benefit Cap, or Rape Clause, has resulted in thousands more children being plunged into poverty. In Scotland extra benefit payments are available to families to counteract the effects of The Rape Clause on household incomes where people who have more than two children are penalised.

During tough times, is supporting culture at all important, and what does it mean anyway?

The Scottish Government’s “Culture Strategy for Scotland” aims to ‘Place 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.’

The term ‘Culture’ is a wide one: it could mean the Arts, Music, Film, Literature, Media, Food, etc – but it can also refer to ‘the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time‘.

Scotland is a mixter maxter nation of diverse peoples and cultures, which is recognised in this document. The strategy, itself, is extremely wide in its aims and ambitions. The Strategy was produced in 2022, when the world was still in the midst of the worse effects of the Covid pandemic. It was during those extreme days of lockdown, ‘bubbles’, and restricted movements, that people came to realise how important it was to have around them outdoor spaces they could relax in, music to listen to, and creative outlets – all beneficial to their mental well being.

The survey ‘Cultural engagement in Scotland: what is it and why does it matter?’ is open now for your views. It closes on 29 July 24.

The questions are open ones which means there is a great opportunity to really express your views.

Fiona Grahame