Scottish Government Orders Review of Creative Scotland

The Scottish Government has initiated a review of Creative Scotland, the arts funding body, following serious allegations of mismanagement and a backlash over controversial funding decisions, including a £85,000 grant for an explicit film project. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson stated that the review will examine the agency's operations and structure, marking the first assessment since its establishment in 2010. In response to concerns voiced by nearly 2,000 artists about funding cuts, the government has reinstated £6.6 million to reopen the Open Fund for individual artists. The agency is currently facing scrutiny over its handling of funding applications and its lack of a budget for an upcoming three-year funding program. As the cultural sector confronts significant challenges, stakeholders will be invited to participate in the review process. The government aims to optimize Creative Scotland's functions to better serve the cultural community in Scotland.