Delivering the annual David Talbot Rice Memorial Lecture at the University of Edinburgh Scotland’s Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said that ‘the UK Government is wrong to measure the value of culture simply in economic terms’, as she set out the two futures facing Scotland and its cultural community.
The Scottish Government writes:
Outlining her strong vision for the future of culture and heritage in Scotland, Ms Hyslop said there is ‘clear blue water’ between Scotland’s approach – which focuses on the intrinsic value of culture and heritage, and that set out by the UK Government’s culture secretary Maria Miller last month – which is now focussed on economic gains.
Ms Hyslop stressed that Scotland would continue to be distinctly different and would see a flourishing of cultural confidence with independence.
She said: ‘The contrast between our attitude to artists and culture and that demonstrated by the UK Government is fundamental and profound. It reflects a choice of two futures. For me, culture’s economic value is not its primary purpose but a secondary benefit.’
‘Our culture and heritage sectors make an invaluable contribution to our economic life, but in Scotland we will not measure the worth of our culture and heritage solely in pounds and pence. I don’t agree with the UK Government’s approach. That is not the future I choose.’
‘This government does not look at our cultural life and our heritage as if they are merely products that can be bought and sold. If there was ever a way to suck the vitality out of a sector of society that should energise, invigorate, inspire and move – it is to make a perfunctory nod to generic social benefits and then, in the next breath, reduce it to nothing more than a commodity.’
‘I cannot and Scotland will not subject the cultural sector to this kind of reductive thinking. It is our role to create the conditions for cultural and creative excellence to flourish. This is a prerequisite for all the other benefits that culture can deliver for our quality of life, our well-being and then for our economy.’
Key messages & extracts provided by Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) include:
· Culture and heritage have a value in themselves
· The sector should not have to make an economic or social case to justify public support for its work
· The Government’s role is to create the right conditions for cultural and creative excellence to flourish
· Reference to the Historic Environment Strategy – which will reflect the value of the historic environment in its own right
· Reference to new Architecture Policy – to match HE Strategy and ensure architectural legacy
· Recognition of role of local authorities, third and private sectors – importance of collaborative and partnership working and sharing best practice to protect and support cultural, creative and heritage services
· ‘Historic Scotland is working with local government and many other partners to ensure that historic environment plays a key role in making and maintaining high quality places – through advice, proportionate regulation, and financial initiatives.’
· ‘Culture and heritage are fundamental to our quality of life. A vibrant heritage is central in shaping our sense of place and making our communities attractive places to live, work, invest and visit. Culture and heritage are a powerful force for renewal and regeneration. They underpin our journey towards better health and safer, more resilient communities, individual well-being and enriched lives.’
· ‘Scotland’s traditional buildings make an enormous contribution to our economy and our national identity. Our historic environment supports 60,000 jobs and contributes £2.3 billion to our economy. The maintenance sector overall accounts for just over a third of construction turnover.’
· ‘It is our job to support the cultural and heritage sector to build strength and resilience and to work with our partners across local authorities, the public, private and third sectors to make sure that this happens;’
For BEFS see: www.befs.co.uk/
Scottish Government News: LINK
Scottish Government Speeches: LINK
