Cultural engagement in Scotland: insights from people's experiences

Key Points

The aim of this open-text survey was to gather direct accounts from the public on their perspectives and experiences of culture and creativity. The questions were open-ended and without pre-set answer categories, to try to minimise any predetermined assumptions about what places or activities may be associated with culture or creativity, and to gather views using people’s own language.

Who took part?

• 504 people completed this online ‘open text’ survey (see who took part in the survey). Most respondents (73%) were female. There was a range of ages (ranging from under 18 to over 85 years) and representation from every Local Authority in Scotland. Over a quarter (27%) identified as having a long-standing physical or mental impairment, illness or disability.

What do culture and creativity mean to people?

• The survey received detailed responses which can be grouped under the following themes for culture: it is what makes life meaningful, it broadens horizons, it helps people connect, it maintains tradition and it is part of everyday life. For creativity the themes were: originality, free-thinking, a source of happiness, self-expression, a way of challenging expectations and part and parcel of being human.
• This variety of responses highlight the way that culture and creativity are a major part of people’s expression and identity, with a strong link to social connections and wellbeing.

Importance and feelings around culture and creativity

• Respondents were unanimously positive about the role that culture and creativity play in their life. Reflecting on why this is the case, respondents’ views centred around the following themes: opening doors, creating empathy, social connections and health and wellbeing.

What do people like to do?

• When asked to describe what they like to do in their free time, the respondents to this survey provided a wide variety of answers. Some focused on specific activities, some described spending time interacting with people, or being in a certain place.
• Asking about ‘free time’ rather than culture specifically meant that respondents referred to both traditional cultural institutions such as museums and galleries and also more informal activities and places such as attending sporting events, crafts, online gaming, ceilidhs, or even going to the pub. This reflects the vision for Culture in Scotland that recognises that cultural activity is expressed in a wide variety of ways.

How do people take part?

• Most respondents described doing a mixture of solitary and group activities, in person and online. Some challenged the phrasing of ‘taking part’ in cultural activities, suggesting culture is not something you have to go somewhere to do or access, it is part of everyday life.

Place and space

• Respondents were asked what they think about the places and opportunities available to them, both locally and nationally. Respondents focused on the following themes: affordability, importance of free places, accessibility, the impact of reduced funding and missed opportunities.

Barriers

• However, there are a range of factors that can impact on someone’s ability to do the things that they would like to do in their free time. Respondents described issues relating to their personal perceptions and circumstances, accessibility issues, and wider social and structural issues that may limit opportunities available to them.
• Financial barriers, time scarcity and personal health issues were common issues that restricted or stopped people’s cultural engagement at a personal and practical level.
• The weather, public transport and perceptions of declining places and infrastructure were issues that reduced engagement at a geographical and built environment level.
• Within the culture sector, respondents’ views centred around a lack of funding to support cultural activities and spaces.

Summary

• This research has demonstrated that cultural engagement is significant for many people for a range of reasons. Engaging with culture is related to heritage, identity, self-expression, social connections, learning, growth and health and wellbeing.
• Respondents emphasised the variety and diversity of cultural engagement and how it is weaved into everyday life: from how we get dressed in the morning, how we speak, what we eat – simply: how we live.
• This survey provided insight into the breadth of people’s experiences, and important detail on the specifics of people’s engagement. For instance, how people like to engage, in what format, with whom, and how major societal challenges such as the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have impacted on people’s attitudes and behaviours.
• While cultural engagement is related to people’s choices, interests and preferences there are barriers for some groups. Cost, accessibility and infrastructure are three major challenges.
• Libraries were described as a ‘lifeline’ by playing a key role in community cohesion and enabling people to come together, learn new skills, and spend time in an environment without the pressure of spending money.^[1]
• Perceptions around the fairness of cultural provision were shared. Some described feeling ‘lucky’ to live near venues such as museums and galleries that can be accessed for free. This may reflect the fact that there are geographic concentrations of cultural provision in higher density places, but also that people are aware of market and government funding factors that they do not feel they can influence.
• An undercurrent throughout the survey responses was around people’s perception of the decline of cultural opportunities. Respondents felt worried and concerned about the impact of losing opportunities.
• This research has important implications. It underscores the need to ensure the approach to culture includes the everyday, the emerging, the established and the more formal, and that cultural events and programmes meet the needs and interests of different population groups.
• The principle of equity of access is central to the Culture Strategy, recognising that the opportunity to participate in culture is a human right and barriers should be removed, where possible, for those who can be disproportionately affected.
• This research supports the fact there is a continued need to engage with the public (across the protected characteristics), cultural institutions and communities to understand the breadth of challenges around accessibility – from physical barriers, a lack of information, and sensory accessibility to ensure that everyone can enjoy and participate in cultural activities.
• The uncertainty and challenges following the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis continue to impact on cultural production and engagement. Through the delivery of the Programme for Government 2024-25, the Scottish Government will seek to address these challenges by working to drive up opportunities for participation in creative pursuits, support the production of new works, and ensure that Scotland’s cultural output has platforms at home and abroad.