Richard Lewis: Capital’s cultural infrastructure needs fresh look

Naturally, the council is committed to preserving and enhancing this – as demonstrated by our recent investments into key venues, the Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms and King’s Theatre.

There are also a number of independent refurbishment and development plans being pursued by venues such as the Traverse, Queen’s Hall and Edinburgh Printmakers.

The council also has a part to play in the promotion of the city’s assets and cultural environment.

This encompasses everything from active participation to performance and exhibition, and could involve services across the council – our roads, parks or buildings acting as film locations; licensing; our celebrated artists performing or exhibiting in our venues and galleries.

We also have a responsibility to ensure the continued success of the city’s world-leading festivals.

Of course, all this requires a backdrop – be it a theatre, a museum, a square or a street – and over the past few years the council has played its part in assessing need, mapping venues and supporting those delivering these art forms and experiences.

But this shouldn’t fall solely on the local authority to deliver, and later this month the council, with funding support from Interreg’s Open Innovation programme, is bringing together a broad range of individuals and organisations to consider afresh Edinburgh’s cultural infrastructure. We will have representatives from government, public agencies, arts, business and funders – and input from leading academic, Professor Pier Luigi Sacco.

This has been organised as a small event with no preconceptions as to findings, outcomes or actions, but more as an open discussion to inspire some fresh thinking.

The results will, of course, be published but in the mean time we are inviting everyone to have their say via our online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/culturalcapital.

• Cllr Richard Lewis is convener for culture and sport at the City of Edinburgh Council.