Scotland Announces Record Arts Funding Increase

The Scottish Government has announced a significant £34 million increase in arts and culture funding for the 2025-26 budget, with a commitment to raise total funding by £100 million annually by 2028-29. Finance Secretary Shona Robison described the budget as 'transformational', citing the need for support in response to challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis. A further £20 million is planned for the following year, bringing total incremental funding to £50 million. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson emphasized the importance of this funding for Creative Scotland and the broader arts sector, stating it would allow for greater support to artists and organizations. The announcement has been met with relief from industry representatives, including Equity, who noted the critical need for reliable funding. This budget is seen as a crucial step towards bolstering Scotland's cultural resilience amidst economic challenges.