The Smith brings untold benefits
Dear Editor, I write having read the coverage in the Observer (January 24, 2018) of the Priority-Based Budgeting Proposals from Stirling Council which concern the Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
As one who has been involved within the creative community around Stirling, and a long-term resident of the city centre, I wish to address the proposal for a 90 per cent budget reduction in the funding for the Smith.
The museum and art gallery has a role as a community hub, research centre and beacon of educational outreach to a vast hinterland beyond Stirling.
Tourist coaches bring international visitors, learning about the history and culture of our area, complementing a trip to the castle.
How do you measure the value of the Smith’s contribution in all these respects, plus its exciting engagement in archaeological, choral, literary, political and artistic activities?
Statistics of footfall, funding support, repair bills, cannot describe the cultural enrichment the Smith gives to our community. Would £242,000 of Stirling Council funding even begin to value the Smith?
Dull utilitarians could study the time-and-motion aspects and miss completely its heart.
Consider, then, Stirling without the Smith: still more resembling a dormitory zone for people who find little nourishment in this smallminded market town.
Real cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh would draw our citizens to their more lively and stimulating attractions, while businesses would find the culturally-impoverished area less attractive as a base.
Peter Russell , Port Street, Stirling