More support needed for Scottish Arts

Labour leadership contender, Cathy Jamieson has highlighted the need for apprenticeships in the creative industries following a meeting with Creative and Cultural Skills Scotland.

She met with John Stalker, the Chair, and Caroline Parkinson, Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

During the Edinburgh festival the population of the capital doubles with visitors and it's vital that the creative industries such as theatre and music are supported, said Ms Jamieson.

In Scotland, the creative economy employs 60,000 people and is worth £4 billion to the Scottish economy but the number of training places for craft skills such as lighting and sound are rare.

Ms Jamieson said:

"The creative industries are not just about the writers and performers but also about those who can amaze us with their craft skills.

"Scotland is fortunate that we have skilled lighting designers, sound engineers, costume and set designers and makers, but in all aspects of the creative arts we will continue to need the
people to actually put the shows on.

"It's time that there were proper apprenticeships available for people wanting to join Scotland's £4 billion creative industry and if we really want to continue putting on the one of the biggest arts festivals in the world this is something that needs to be sorted out.

"Not only is it the right thing to do in terms of improving Scotland's arts capacity - it makes financial sense too.

"I warmly welcome the work being done by Creative and Cultural Skills Scotland. Its hard work and innovative ideas deserve the widest possible support.


"It's time to invest in vocational opportunities to underpin the long term health of the creative industries. It needs the financial backing and political support of the Scottish Government.

"These apprenticeships would complement the high quality FE courses already available.

"Along with the musicians, actors, artists, and writers of the future we also need to find the technical staff to keep Scotland's creative industries fit, healthy and vibrant."


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