Creative Scotland to spend £6.5 million to promote Scotland
It has been announced that Creative Scotland will spend £6.5 million to promote Scotland in a three year programme before the beginning of the Commonwealth Games.
The cultural showcase of Scotland - which has been designed to show Scottish creativity to the world, increase tourism and develop creative industries - will begin next year and run until 2014.
The Press Association has reported that Creative Scotland is spending £6.5 million of National Lottery money on the programme which will include a series of "creative places awards", which will celebrate communities that have a track record in providing culture-rich events.
Fiona Hyslop, culture minister for Scotland, said: “Scotland is known across the globe for its rich culture and heritage and is increasingly recognised for its contemporary and creative cutting edge.
“In 2012 and 2014 the eyes of the world will be on the UK. These present wonderful opportunities, both large and small, to highlight Scotland's cultural and creative strengths on the international stage and across our communities.
“Through Creative Scotland's £6.5 million investment and the rich creative activity across our vibrant cultural sector, 2012 will act as a nationwide showcase for our cultural assets and outstanding new work. It is the start of an exciting three-year cultural programme that will embrace London 2012 and celebrate Glasgow 2014.”
Creative Scotland chief executive Andrew Dixon said: “The £6.5 million programme will present opportunities for the whole nation to get involved and it will also develop new partnerships between the cultural sector and the tourism and heritage sectors.
“Creative Scotland aims to reach every community across Scotland through the three-year programme.”