University joins discussion on future of creativity, culture and heritage

The University, alongside policy development organisation Culture Commons and sector support organisation Culture Counts, is hosting two days of meetings and events at Dundee’s leading cultural institutions to consider what more decision-making powers for Scotland’s local councils and citizens might mean for the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem. 

Since 2017, Scottish Government has been reviewing the role and functions of Scotland’s local councils. In 2023, they signed an agreement with local authorities, promising more powers and responsibilities for local decision makers.

The Scottish Government is not alone in exploring increased local control. Across the UK, national governments are testing what it might mean to invite local people into key decisions impacting their areas, but little thought has been given to how this might include the creative, cultural and heritage sectors.

To explore this in more detail, a coalition of 28 organisations made up of local governments, sector representative organisations, universities, arm’s length bodies, and grant giving organisations from across the UK are now coming together in a first-of-its-kind research and policy development programme, ‘the future of local cultural decision making’.

Anna Grey, Director of the University’s Research and Innovation Services, said, “The University of Dundee is proud to be involved in this multi-partner research programme led by Culture Commons looking at the future of local cultural decision making.

“We’re delighted to be hosting this key research visit, recognising the creative and cultural strengths and opportunities we have here in Dundee. We welcome the opportunity to work with stakeholders from across the Tayside region as part of this initiative. 

“We’re proud of the connections we have and continue to foster here in Dundee, and the part we’re playing in the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem.”

Trevor MacFarlane, Director of Culture Commons who are leading up the programme, said, “We’re delighted to be with colleagues in Dundee today, gathering insights from the Tayside region as part of this ambitious UK-wide policy programme. 

“As a historic city of discovery, design and innovation, Dundee felt like the perfect place to convene conversations with sector leaders and local and national decision makers.

“Together with our wonderful coalition of partners, we hope to find out more about the pioneering work already going in Scotland and consider how local communities might have even more of a say in shaping their creative and cultural lives.”

Lori Anderson, Director, Culture Counts said, “Culture Counts are pleased to be part of this programme to showcase and centre Scotland’s work as part of this important policy dialogue. 

“Scotland has a world class culture sector and the groundbreaking work is taking place in all corners of our country – of which Dundee is a prime example. 

“At Culture Counts, we’ve been working hard to make sure the voice of Scottish creatives and makers are heard and valued by national decision makers – and that the Scottish Government continues to stand by its promises to invest in the sector for the long term. This programme is going to help us continue to build that case further.”

The ‘future of local cultural decision making’ comes to Dundee after visits to Sheffield, Belfast and will travel to Wales next month. The programme will conclude in October this year, with a suite of new policy principles aimed at national and local governments.