Peer-reviewed artists’ bursaries are among the new programmes revealed in Creative Scotland’s (CS) interim one-year plan, which has been published a month into new CEO Janet Archer’s leadership of the funding body.
As well as the bursary, which is designed to allow individual artists to develop their practice, a distinct new fund for sited public art will be set up, aiming to bring ‘artist, people and place together.’ A ‘single gateway to cultural engagement’ is also being developed with the Scottish Audience Development network.
On the issue of self-scrutiny – a key issue following the tension between Creative Scotland and the sector last year – the agency will publish a report in 2014 assessing its own performance against the ambitions and outcomes detailed in this current plan, although it acknowledges that not all aspects are measurable, stating: ‘We understand that arts, culture and creativity can have transformative benefits for individual and communities, often in ways that are not quantifiable.’
Sector reviews in theatre, dance, music and arts and crafts will inform the development of professional support for these areas, and an equalities review of all funding guidelines will also take place.
Also included in the plan is a summary budget for 2013/14, listing Lottery and Grant in Aid funding given to its Foundation Organisations, Programme Organisations and Annual Clients. A longer-term plan for 2014-17 will be unveiled in April 2014, which will be informed by feedback received over the past year and replace the existing Corporate Plan.
This article was originally published by Arts Professional.
