Enthusiam of culture scene clear to see

Culture and creativity are a vital part of Scotland’s history, its present and its future.

From our worldrenowned festivals and events and heritage sites to local clubs and organisations, it contributes to our economy and communities in many ways.

I recently visited

Stirling to find out more about its bid for UK City of Culture 2025 and the work happening locally to promote creative activity and put arts and culture at the heart of city life.

Meeting up with cultural partnership project Scene Stirling, I toured of some of the city’s cultural hubs and talked with local artists and creative businesses, taking in stops at the Tolbooth’s Constant Follower +

Friends exhibition, Made in Stirling, the Macrobert’s city hub and Coorie Creative, learning about the role culture can play in supporting Scotland’s Covid recovery and community development.

During my visit the enthusiasm and creativity of local artists and groups was clear to see, and it was great to hear first-hand about the work which has gone on and the links which have been developed between social enterprises, businesses and creatives.

The community kitchen project at 44 King’s Street and the social enterprise activity at Coorie Creative are great examples of how creative organisations can deliver wider social and community benefits.

The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee recently launched an inquiry into town centres and retail, asking what changes are needed to create and support thriving and resilient town centres.

The inquiry will look at the impact of increased ecommerce both for retailers maximising opportunities and for the changing nature of high streets and shops.

As convener of the committee I look forward to exploring how communities can drive change in their local area, looking at success stories, hearing what people want to see and what steps need to be taken to achieve a town centre fit for the 21st century.

The work which has taken place in Stirling is a great example of the kind of approaches our towns could explore by looking beyond traditional models of retail which have resulted in many of our high streets being filled with empty stores and to let signs.

By establishing creative hubs in the city centre, local arts and cultural organisations are not only repurposing empty retail units but broadening the appeal of the centre and encouraging people to visit there.

We have an opportunity to take a new approach which highlights the role of our high streets and town centres not just as a place to shop but also a place to socialise, connect with others and to invest in your local community.

My previous role as Shadow Culture Secretary means I know well how important culture is to Scotland’s economy, and the role it can play in our recovery from the pandemic.

Visiting these creative organisations in Stirling was a great way to hear more about how the city is leading the way on this, and how cultural partners are supporting the local creative scene to thrive.

As we await news of the shortlisting, I wish all of those involved in the bid the very best of luck.

The team have put together a strong bid which not only demonstrates the vibrancy of the local culture scene but celebrates innovative thinking and collaborative working which sets it up to build future success.

Whatever the outcome of the competition, Stirling has shown itself to be a cultural leader.