HYSLOP CONFIRMS SNP COMMITMENT TO ARTS
NATIONAL BOOK WEEK ESTABLISHED; EXPO FUND EXTENDED
Fiona Hyslop has today (Monday) committed a re-elected SNP Government to developing and supporting the talent of Scotland’s artists as she visited ‘The Artists’ Town’ of Kirkcudbright.
Ms Hyslop confirmed that a re-elected SNP Government would expand the highly successful Expo Fund and Made in Scotland scheme for the next Parliament. The Expo fund and Made in Scotland showcase the best of Scottish performing
talent.
Fiona Hyslop joined SNP Candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, Aileen McLeod to meet with artists and gallery owners in Kirkcudbright famed for its local artists.
The Galloway and West Dumfries constituency also includes Wigtown, home of the internationally renowned book festival. Ms Hyslop confirmed that a re-elected SNP Government would establish a National Book Week from 2012 and back 200 artists residencies with Creative Scotland.
Commenting, Ms Hyslop said:
“Scotland has a wealth of creativity and through our culture – in its many forms – we enrich our lives, economy and society.
“Over the past four years, the SNP Government has invested in the potential of Scotland’s artists. We’ve helped home-grown talent perform in Edinburgh with a £6 million Expo Fund for the Edinburgh festivals and we’ve established Creative Scotland as a single, national body to maximize support for the arts, culture and creative industries.
“A re-elected SNP Government will continue the Expo Fund through the next Parliament. We will establish a National Book Week from 2012 as part of our commitment to literature and to enhancing literacy and we will seek to expand the massively successful Made in Scotland showcase which puts Scottish performers front and centre in the Edinburgh festivals.
“The next five years are years of great potential for Scotland’s artists with real opportunities to put the spotlight on Scottish culture. With 200 artists residences we can support rising talent, give artists in all genres new opportunities and continue to support arts and culture across Scotland.
“The SNP in Government has worked to make Scotland better and over the next five years we will continue that effort. Arts and culture in all its forms are a central part of Scottish life and we will ensure we properly support Scottish talent.”
Details of this coming years Edinburgh Expo Fund are at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/03/15153239