Section 37 – General functions of Creative Scotland
56.Subsection (1) lists the general functions of Creative Scotland.
57.Subsection (1)(a) gives Creative Scotland the functions of identifying, supporting and developing quality and excellence in the arts and culture from artists and creative practitioners, these being persons engaged in artistic and other creative endeavours. Creative Scotland might, for example, exercise these functions by selecting particular individuals or organisations whose practice they believe merits encouragement and advice, or financial support in the form of grants or loans (see also section 39(4)).
58.Subsection (1)(b) gives Creative Scotland the functions of promoting understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of ‘art for art’s sake’. Creative Scotland might, for example, exercise these functions by giving awards that celebrate the work of individual or groups of practitioners, or by encouraging and advising local authorities to make wider provision of cultural facilities in their area.
59.Subsection (1)(c) gives Creative Scotland the functions of improving access to and participation in the arts and culture. When Creative Scotland is pursuing these particular functions it must do so with regard to increasing the diversity of people who have access to and participate in the arts and culture (see subsection (2)). Creative Scotland might, for example, exercise these functions by supporting projects which give persons from socially deprived areas opportunities to express themselves through the arts and culture that they would not have otherwise.
60.Subsection (1)(d) gives Creative Scotland the functions of making real, and bringing to fruition, the value and benefits of the arts and culture in Scotland. The value and benefits referred to include, in particular, the national and international value and benefits of the arts and culture to Scotland’s national culture. The value and benefits referred to also include personal enjoyment of aesthetic quality and the enjoyment involved in cultural participation, benefits in terms of unlocking creative and entrepreneurial potential, and benefits in terms of enhancing well-being and community pride. Creative Scotland might, for example, exercise these functions by supporting a significant play that will tour around Scotland, providing enjoyment and “food for thought” at home, and thereafter internationally.
61.Subsection (1)(e) gives Creative Scotland the functions of encouraging and supporting artistic and other creative endeavours which contribute to an understanding of Scotland’s national culture. Scotland’s national culture in this paragraph means Scotland’s distinctive way of life as a whole, and not only the artistic and cultural output of the arts and culture. Creative Scotland might, for example, exercise these functions by supporting a film project which depicts and challenges Scottish attitudes to drug and alcohol consumption.
62.Subsection (1)(f) gives Creative Scotland the functions of advocating for and supporting the creative industries. The creative industries are industries and other commercial activities which involve as a distinctive element a primary focus on the application of creative skills. These industries include advertising, architecture, arts and antiques, crafts, design, designer fashion, film, computer and video games, music, performing arts, publishing, television and radio. Creative Scotland might, for example, exercise these functions by leading a research and intelligence programme relating to the sustainable development of the computer and video games industry.
63.Subsection (3) provides that Creative Scotland may encourage and support other persons who perform functions similar to Creative Scotland. This may include, for example, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise who have a significant economic development role as regards the creative industries, and local authorities who support the arts and culture in their areas. Subsection (4) defines “persons” to include groups of persons so that informal associations or groups can be provided with encouragement and support.
