MSPs in Holyrood heard evidence from representatives of Scotland’s arts industries today on a new culture Bill for Scotland.

Members of the Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee questioned delegates from Event Scotland, Equity and Scottish Storytelling Centre on the proposed Creative Scotland Bill.

The Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in March, makes provisions for the merger of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen into the single cultural development body, Creative Scotland.

Representatives generally welcomed the Bill in principle but voiced reservations over some of its lack of provisions, with lack of definition and clarity key criticisms raised by representatives from Equity and Scottish Storytelling Centre in particular.

Dr. Donald Smith, director, Scottish Storytelling Centre, told the committee clear working definitions of culture and the creative industries within the Bill was essential for prioritisation, accountability and budget allocation. He said:

“I think there should be a core definition of purpose, a definition of the arts. A specific clause about investment in these art forms should be made with consideration for economic, social, cultural and educational benefits. That’s a balanced ticket and I don’t think we have a balanced ticket here.”

Lorne Boswell, Scottish secretary, Equity, added that there needs to be “defined boundaries” to the body’s remit or it will get endlessly diverted to other areas.

SNP MSP Rob Gibson challenged this assertion saying that 87 per cent of people that responded to the consultation on the former Executive’s draft Culture (Scotland) Bill were happy with the creation of a single national cultural development body.

Funding was another contentious issue addressed by the delegates. Smith told MSPs that whilst the remit of Creative Scotland would be wider than the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, its budget would not increase. Those worst hit by the funding squeeze, he said, would be the community arts sector. Smith questioned the financial benefits of the merger, remarking:

“No financial case is being made for benefits of the merger of these two organisations. In fact it is the opposite, there is a dis-benefit.”

Jan McDonald from the Royal Society of Edinburgh welcomed the Bill for joining the two art forms of film and visual arts. A more cross-disciplinary approach would offer new opportunities and allow for more experimentation, she said.