Edinburgh: Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has named Dame Sue Bruce to head the first official review of Creative Scotland, setting the stage for a dramatic change in Scotland’s cultural scene. For the organisation, which has been a vital pillar of the country’s arts and culture since its founding in 2010, this project represents a turning point. The purpose of the evaluation is to evaluate the function and efficacy of Creative Scotland, with a focus on innovation and sustainability in the quickly changing cultural industry.
This assessment will examine Creative Scotland’s function and efficacy, with a focus on how its work can best assist Scotland’s arts community’s aspirations for sustainability and innovation in the face of fast shifting conditions. It is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Scotland’s cultural infrastructure overall.
Inclusivity and engagement are core to the review process. A newly launched survey invites cultural stakeholders across Scotland to share their insights on the improvement of sector support. You can participate in the survey here.
In his announcement, Robertson underlined the significance of this evaluation in reaffirming the government’s commitment to reviving Scotland’s cultural infrastructure in his announcement. He lauded Dame Sue Bruce’s leadership and her diverse background in local government and the arts as important resources for carrying out an objective and in-depth analysis of Creative Scotland’s operations.
“I’m delighted that Dame Sue Bruce has agreed to chair this review,” said Robertson. “The depth of her experience in both the arts and local government sectors makes her uniquely qualified to lead a thorough look at how Creative Scotland can best serve Scotland’s arts sector.”
The timing of this review coincides with a historic increase in culture funding, as outlined in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget, which includes a £34 million boost for cultural initiatives. Of this allocation, £20 million is earmarked for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding program. Robertson highlighted the need for diversification in funding sources, including philanthropic contributions, to enhance the sustainability and resilience of Scotland’s cultural sector.
Inclusivity and stakeholder engagement are central to the review process. A newly launched survey invites cultural stakeholders from across Scotland to provide insights on how support for the arts can be improved. “The review seeks to draw in a wide range of voices from across Scotland,” Robertson noted, underscoring the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of artists and cultural organizations to society.
This approach ensures that there is wide understanding of the needs and challenges of the sector.
“The review seeks to draw in a wide range of voices from across Scotland in an effective and efficient manner,” said Robertson. “It is crucial to appreciate, value, and support artists and cultural organizations for the part they play in making us who we are and our society.”
Dame Sue Bruce added that culture is about reflecting the values, aspirations, and history of Scotland. “The cultural sector brings immense benefit to society and the economy,” she said. “I look forward to working with the sector and Creative Scotland to ensure its role remains relevant and impactful.”
With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years in public service, including chief executive roles in several councils such as East Dunbartonshire and The City of Edinburgh, Dame Sue Bruce brings a wealth of governance experience to this role. Since her retirement in 2024, she has served as a non-executive director for various organizations, including SSE Plc and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), where she was chair for nine years.
The independent review was first announced as part of the 2024-25 Programme for Government and is expected to yield recommendations by summer 2025. As part of this process, further details regarding the terms of reference will be presented to Parliament soon.
This comprehensive review led by Dame Sue Bruce signifies a crucial step towards enhancing Scotland’s cultural framework amidst evolving challenges. By fostering dialogue among stakeholders and focusing on sustainable funding strategies, the Scottish government aims to ensure that Creative Scotland continues to play a vital role in supporting the arts and culture across the nation.
