MSPs have warned that the epidemic and rising expenses have created a “perfect storm” for Scotland’s cultural sector. According to Holyrood’s culture committee, the sector is grappling with serious issues as it tries to recover from COVID-19, and the cost-of-living crisis is making matters worse.
The multi-party group of MSPs has asked the administration to swiftly implement “new methods” to budgeting, such as the use of multiyear funding and public and private investment.
Convener Clare Adamson said: “There is a genuine risk that Scotland’s experienced cultural personnel may be lost along with some of our most beloved cultural icons. Increased operational costs come at a time when most cultural institutions are still battling to recover from the epidemic.”
The committee advised the government to mainstream its budget for culture to account for its influence on the health economy. This, according to the article, would demonstrate the contribution the industry makes to areas like health through preventative investment.
The research comes as several locations and significant events, such as the Belmont cinema in Aberdeen and the Edinburgh International Film Festival, stop operations.
According to the Centre for the Moving Image, declining attendance and mounting expenditures forced the closure of the venues.
MSPs were constantly cautioned throughout evidence sessions that many more cultural institutions, like concert halls and museums, were in danger of closing.
The report is a component of the pre-budget review by the parliament. The budget for the Scottish Government’s upcoming fiscal year is anticipated in December.
Yet, if you put this collapse into the wider context, the prospects for revil are less than inspiring.
There have been many rumours concerning the SNP’s connections to business lobbyists in the past. But you don’t understand how intricate the process is until you put everything together. The SNP leadership and Scottish, as well as international capital, are united – despite the supposed social democratic character of the nationalists.
Scotland currently has a lobbying registry. There are numerous flaws in the system. For instance, if you were an arms company lobbyist who desired an unrecorded chat with a minister of the government. You could just call them, but since it doesn’t constitute an in-person encounter, it won’t be recorded.
In a key example of this secret collusion, ministers of the government held private meetings with major corporations hoping to profit from Scotland’s renewable energy sector. Before we know it, the Scottish Government introduces a “green investment portfolio” compiling Scottish green assets valued at £3 billion. Private and foreign money will purchase this package, which is a significant part of Scotland’s economic future.
This is one of the ‘viable’ roots that may be used to save the ailing culture sector in Scotland. If this were to be the case, huge entertainment giants can carve up cities like Edinburgh even further. So it is vital that the working class coordinate it’s response to the failure of the Scottish government
Grant MacDonald, is a member of the YCL’s Edinburgh Branch
