Catch kids young to create a love of culture, says report

PEOPLE are more likely to take part in cultural activities as adults if they are encouraged to participate as children, according to new Scottish Government research.

Youngsters who were encouraged to read for pleasure were more than twice as likely to read as an adult, analysis of the 2007-8 Scottish Household Survey Culture Module found.

The research also found children who play musical instruments, act, dance or sing are three times more likely to engage in creative activity such as art, writing and performing when they grow up.

However, the findings come as music tuition for children is being cut across Scotland as cash-strapped councils seek to save money from shrinking budgets.

Culture minister Fiona Hyslop said: "We know that culture and creativity deliver significant benefits for the people of Scotland to our well-being, our communities and our economy.

"We want to build on our successes, such as our world-leading creative industries which generate 5.2 billion each year for the Scottish economy.

"We now have tangible evidence of a link between childhood experiences of culture and adult participation in creative activity."

Ms Hislop said that collaboration between education and culture was key to equipping children with essential creative skills. She added: "As this research examined the impact of out-of-school cultural activity, it clearly demonstrates the importance of providing opportunities outside the classroom for children to access cultural experiences.

"This is a responsibility for all of us, not just those involved in the provision of culture but parents as well."

Aberdeen, Fife and Midlothian have all proposed plans to cut music tuition to pupils with teachers threatening to strike over cuts proposals in the city. Scotland's biggest teaching union last year launched a major campaign against music cuts, backed by North-east percussionist Evelyn Glennie.

A spokesman for the Educational Institute of Scotland said: "In light of these research findings it is deeply regrettable that much of the cultural activity - particularly music instruction - that takes place in our schools is under threat from the budget-cutting agenda."

He said some local authorities had viewed cultural activities like music as a "soft option" for cuts, with instrumental music instruction having been hit particularly hard.

He added: "Being exposed to cultural activity such as music during school offers young people a great deal which they take with them and enjoy throughout their lives.

"Cultural activity has a profound impact on pupils social skills, confidence and creativity which can stand them in good stead throughout their post-school careers."

The EIS is continuing its campaign to protect culture and music instruction in schools, he said.