The campaign calls on all political parties in Scotland to support the introduction of a Culture Act in the next parliamentary term. This would establish a solid statutory footing to secure Scotland’s cultural sector and support its growth. 

The campaign is led by Culture Counts, a network of arts, heritage and creative industries organisations which advocates for the development and protection of culture. The Society of Authors in Scotland has been campaigning alongside other creative unions for increased funding for culture and has often worked alongside Culture Counts in initiatives like the Fair Work Taskforce.  

The need for a proper legislative structure and equitable funding support for culture has never been more necessary. A recent report by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Creative Unions Group — Freelance and Forgotten: A report on worker exploitation in Scotland’s Creative Industries — highlighted some staggering figures: 

• 69% have experienced issues relating to payment at work 

• 33% have experienced non-payment at work 

• 83% have seen a real terms fall in earnings in recent years 

• Only 6% describe working conditions as good. 

• 43% describe working conditions as bad and 53% have experienced or seen bullying, harassment or sexual harassment. 

Scotland’s cultural sector plays a central role in the country’s economy, international profile and – most importantly – the wellbeing and health of people and communities. As the election approaches, the Society of Authors in Scotland asks candidates to commit to the Culture Act and an investment in culture and cultural workers that matches their vast contribution.  

Sam Gonçalves, Senior Policy Manager (Scotland) for the Society of Authors, said:

“Over recent years it has become much more difficult to make a living as an author in Scotland.  

“The unsteady funding that is made available for the arts rarely gets to the hands of the freelance individuals who are the lifeblood of the sector.  

“The MSPs elected in May will need to take meaningful action and we believe committing to a Culture Act is an essential first step.” 

Mary Paulson-Ellis, Chair of the Society of Authors in Scotland Committee, said: 

“Authors and other artists really struggle to survive at present. We must do all we can as a society to support them, not only to survive but to thrive.

“Culture, and its expression through art, is at the heart of what it means to be human. To mark this fundamental truth with a Culture Act would not only testify to the inherent value of authors and other artists, but say so much about who we want to be as a nation.” 

If you’d like to support the Culture Act, write to your MSP and help spread the word. Culture Counts has created a handy resource.

Read more about Culture Counts and its campaign for a Culture Act for Scotland.