Authorities set up own arts review

SCOTLAND’S councils today announced they were setting up their own culture review after being excluded from the Scottish Executive’s official one.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities complained they were "ignored" when a new culture commission was set up under former Scottish Arts Council chairman James Boyle earlier this year.

The commission has a remit to look at all branches of the arts, from drama to architecture, and make recommendations for promoting access, excellence and creativity. It is expected to publish its final report in June 2005.

Cosla today said it would establish a culture review task group to "support and contribute to" the work of the commission.

The task group will comprise both elected members and representatives of VOCAL, the association for local authority arts and leisure managers in Scotland.

Cosla said its task group would focus on issues such as the governance of the cultural sector - including the role of quangos such as the Scottish Arts Council; resourcing of cultural activities - local government is the most important service provider in Scotland; and how to enhance the public’s knowledge of and access to cultural activities.

Councillor Graham Garvie, who will lead Cosla’s task group, said: "Whilst Cosla does not have representation on the commission, the task group will ensure the closest possible co-operation between the commission and the professional input which Cosla will provide."