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Politicians call for arts funding revamp

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The funding of arts in Scotland needs an urgent overhaul, according to Holyrood's culture committee

Politicians have called for a revamp of funding for the arts.

The Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has said the current funding model does not give adequate support to individual artists.

The committee held a full inquiry into the arts funding system, hearing evidence from a range of artists and stakeholders, and examined arts funding models in other countries as part of its proceedings.

Issues aired included the suitability of venues, funding for artists and the need to reform Creative Scotland grants.

The committee called for at least 1% of the Scottish Government’s budget to be spent on the arts.

Committee convener Joan McAlpine said: "The overall aim of this report was to put the focus of the arts funding system on the artists themselves. The committee heard compelling evidence that significant action is needed to achieve this.

"Public funding of Scotland's arts and culture will only become sustainable if artists are at the centre of policy and paid the fair wage they deserve.

"The committee has therefore called on the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland to take urgent, robust action to ensure this becomes the case."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We thank the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee for their report on funding of the arts. We will carefully consider its contents and respond in due course."