Cultural engagement in Scotland: insights from people's experiences

Section 1: Free Time and Barriers

Free Time

The researchers first asked respondents what they like to do in their free time. This opening question allowed people to describe their favourite things to do, where they like to go and who they like to spend time with, if they have any free time at all.

Statistical data on cultural participation and attendance in the SHS provides information about the proportion of people who have engaged with certain cultural activities or attended particular places.^[8] However, it is restricted to a set list of activities and places. Asking about ‘free time’ rather than culture specifically, provides a better insight into the variety of things people do, including and beyond the more traditional types of cultural attendance or participation.

The responses to this question are grouped into three areas of focus (see Figure 1):

• Activities
• People
• Place

Most respondents answered this question in terms of the hobbies and activities that they like to do. These activities were wide ranging. Popular choices included reading, going to the cinema and music gigs, as well as cooking and watching live sport, through to more niche activities: motorcycle repairing and beekeeping. Other respondents answered in terms of who they like to spend their free time with, which was often family, friends, children and partners – or sometimes animals.

And some respondents spoke about their favourite places, often related to more outdoor activities, the hills or the sea, but also community and commercial venues, such as shopping strips.

A minority of respondents shared that they rarely - if ever - have any free time, most commonly due to looking after children and working.

Barriers: what stops you from doing the things you want to do?

Researchers wanted to know what, if anything, stops respondents from doing the things they like to do.

These barriers can be grouped into four interrelated categories (see Figure 2 and Figure 3). While many issues relate to an individual's personal circumstances or their personal obstacles, they also reveal wider social and structural barriers that have impact on a larger scale.^[9] The four categories of barriers are: 1) Individual, practical; 2) Social and Psychological; 3) Access and environment; and 4) Sector-wide issues.

Within these four categories, the survey responses have been grouped under different themes (outlined in Figure 3).

Figure 3 : Main barriers within each of the four categories

Individual practical barriers include:

• financial;
• time and energy;
• health, disability and caring responsibilities;
• children.

Social and psychological barriers include:

• lack of company;
• feeling unsafe, unwelcome, or 'othered'.

Access and environment barriers include:

• the weather and the natural environment;
• geography;
• transport;
• inaccessibility;
• and lacking local infrastructure and perceived decline.

Sector-wide issues include:

• supports for creative professionals;
• and suggested solutions to barriers.

Individual barriers

Financial

Cost and affordability were commonly raised issues (See also Place section on affordability).

For example, increasing ticket prices for events such as gigs and theatre meant that respondents are having to go less frequently than they would like.^[10] Respondents also cited additional and associated costs for childcare and transport as being prohibitively expensive. These issues were often referenced in relation to cost of living pressures and people’s self-reported financial insecurity. ^[11]

References to issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and inflation show how wider societal issues, that are not within someone's control, can impact on someone’s personal ability to engage with culture.

“I am working in the field myself as musician and music educator, but most times I can't afford going to the concerts / shows I'd love to see. The cost of living vs. my wages and the fact I have to support another person too, make it very hard to even manage to have food and pay the bills each month.” (Female, 35-44)

“My benefits have gone down this means I cannot afford to do a lot of things.” (Disabled respondent via The Action Group^[12])

Beyond “going out” and attending events, respondents also described being priced out of home-based activities:

“Cost of living is so high that disposable income for socialising and cooking nice food is compromised.” (Female, 55-64)

Given these issues, there was praise for free venues and subsidised schemes (see also Section 5: Importance of free places).

“I tend to choose the free activities like using the libraries, going to National Museum, National Gallery, Botanical Garden, Dunedin consort open rehearsals etc.” (Female, 35-44)

“Luckily all the club activities here, we make sure are accessible prices. Tennis is 25 per year to join, rowing is 20 pounds per year. We do this to make sure it is accessible to all.” (Female, 55-64)

Time and energy

Between working and/or caring responsibilities, many respondents expressed that they simply lacked the time and energy to do (more of) their preferred activities. For many, this was not just a personal matter, but a consequence of wider social and structural constraints (e.g. wages/employment practices whereby people must work long hours to afford basic amenities), leaving little time and resource for other enrichments.

“Increasing work pressures in the NHS mean I’m more tired after hours, less likely to engage in activities I would normal enjoy.” (Male, 25-34)

“Another thing stopping me from going [to see live music] is being so tired and lacking time as I have to work as much as I can. This is a paradox as the shows would bring wellbeing and resilience.” (Female, 35-44)

Work patterns including ‘working split shifts’, working weekends, night shifts and/or balancing multiple jobs was also an issue for some.^[13]

“I work permanent night shifts so my time off is usually experienced through a fog of jet lag!” (Male, 55-64)

“If we had a four-day working week, one day of the weekend could be rest, one day for recreation and one day for domestic chores. But we are time poor at weekends so cultural pursuits suffer.” (Male, 55-64)

‘Late starting times’ for live performances was also raised as a barrier due to then having to rely on public transport to travel home.^[14]

Health, disability & caring responsibilities

Over 1 in 4 respondents (27%) identified as disabled (having a long-term health condition or disability), the majority of whom said that their disability affects their ability to carry out day to day tasks: 61% said ‘yes, a little’, 20% said ‘yes, a lot’ and 19% said ‘not at all’.

Many respondents stated that their personal health issues restrict what they can do. (Personal health limitations are distinct to issues of accessibility following a social model of disability, which is explored in the next chapter).^[15]

“Working full time leaves me little energy for other things. Being disabled and needing to manage my energy.” (Disabled respondent, female, 35-44)

“Age, poor health/energy, lack of money. Can't afford to buy tickets to events I'd like to see (e.g. during festivals, official or unofficial). Can't always rely on my physical self to be fit to attend events, anyway. So my world is smaller.” (Female, 65-74)

Some respondents spoke about their mental health, such as dealing with extreme anxiety. Some disabled respondents also spoke about the attention and stigma they face because they are (visibly) disabled and how that also affects their willingness to go out and do things.

“I can feel worried about my image and worry about how people will look at me or perceive me. Sometimes there can be something I want to go to but then my brain kicks in and I get anxiety and worry about what might happen. Often, I decide not to go because it is easier.” (Disabled respondent via The Action Group)

However, for some, an increase to more digital activities since the pandemic was perceived to be helpful. This enabled individuals who may face greater challenges attending in-person activities to take part.^[16]

“I have three chronic illnesses, and these can occasionally mean I do not have the physical or financial resources to attend external events. The continuation of hybrid events post-COVID has been much appreciated.” (Female, 45-54)

A relatively high proportion of the respondents (17%) identified as being a ‘carer:’^[17] which also impacted on the time they have for cultural engagement and their ability to access different places.

“I am a part time unpaid carer for an elderly relative which can limit the time I spend on things I enjoy but they are an essential support to my overall wellbeing.” (Female, 65-74)

“I am a carer and even if my cared for person is in day care, they often call or I need to drop off/pick up and the timings don’t work for me to go far. Also if I have my cared for person with me it’s sometimes difficult to access these things because of their needs.” (Female, 45-54)

For individuals that rely on carers and support staff with day-to-day living, there can be additional obstacles in doing what they would like to do, related to the support available. For ticketed events, some respondents spoke about additional fees relating to securing access for their carers/support staff, as well as themselves. While some large events may offer ticket fee waivers for carers, the process can be challenging due to requirements to provide a named carer in advance– which is often not possible.

Further discussion from disabled members of The Action Group network centred around the difficulties having to rely on support workers and carers to socialise, date and enjoy the nightlife scene.

Children and young people

For many parent respondents, childcare duties mean little free time to enjoy for themselves. When it came to child-free activities, babysitting/childcare costs were sometimes also inhibitive.

Another main obstacle surrounded a lack of truly child-friendly spaces, desired features include “comfy sofas; space to play; good food for families”.

Separately, some venues have age restrictions or no children policies.

“You feel very siloed into 'places that accept babies' and 'places for everyone else' and are only welcome in specific events/places designed for babies and not anywhere else. It's different now with a 4-year-old, we can pretty much do anything, although some theatre/concerts etc are still restrictive towards young children for larger productions. I think it's so children don't 'disturb people' but honestly if you want children to grow up loving culture you need to actually expose them to it and not hide them until they are deemed 'well behaved enough’.” (Female, 25-34)

As well there being difficulty finding affordable, child-friendly / family activities, some commented that there are not enough free activities for families.

And a lack of things for older children/young people:

“There are not always creative opportunities available to young people in Moray that are affordable, regular and accessible, when they do happen and they appeal to my teenager then I will do what I can to make sure they can take part.” (Female, 35-44)

Social and psychological barriers

Lack of company or support

Some respondents spoke about lack of company to do things with, that they perhaps would not like to do alone. This was for various reasons: differing work schedules/free time, moving to a new place, not knowing people with shared interests, or difficulties surrounding requiring care/support staff to attend things. Some spoke candidly about feeling isolated/lonely.

“Sometimes I’m the one to keep trying to ask people to go out and meet. I don’t have any family here and it’s hard to make friends.” (Female, 45-54)

“My free time is during the week and most people I know are at work, so I don't always feel like doing something on my own if nobody is available.” (Female, 35-44)

The research team received separate written responses from members of The Action Group, a network for adults and children with learning disabilities. Some of their responses to this question related to the challenges trying to fit around care and support staff.

“It can really help if you work with staff that have similar interests.” (Response via The Action Group.)

Researchers also heard spoken responses from members of The Assembly, another disability membership network and peer support group. Some of their members spoke about issues surrounding care and support staff’s allotted time and how it sometimes does not allow for social visits, particularly if travel is involved, or if it extends beyond their set hours.

Feeling unwelcome, unsafe or ‘othered’

A few respondents spoke about personal safety concerns, including not feeling welcome in certain spaces, worries around travelling by night and taking public transport, having a marginalised identity/being discriminated against, as well as recent headlines around violent crimes making people feel less safe in public. Some of these concerns crossover with environmental/accessibility issues (explored in inaccessibility section).

“Ease of access [is a barrier] size inclusivity and fat phobia mean that public spaces are designed to fit smaller bodies.” (Female, 45-54)

“Most music venues are fine although it can be daunting as a lone single female to attend some of the venues. Quite often, after considering safety aspects, I have decided not to purchase a ticket for some venues or music festivals as I don't want to stand about alone and wait until the music starts, I feel slightly vulnerable in these types of crowds.” (Female, 55-64)

Some safety concerns, specifically relating to crowds and the busyness of certain spaces was off putting – particularly for autistic respondents and those caring for individuals (adults and children) with complex needs.

“Places are too busy for Autistic people... We avoid most places of interest for this reason now.” (Female, 45-54)

Snobbery, classism and cultural rights

Throughout the survey responses, some respondents mentioned how their own and other people’s attitudes also affected what they choose to take part in - based on whether they felt it was something for them.

This appeared to be rooted in the assumptions and social norms that make some people feel less welcome in – or potentially excluded from - taking part in cultural activities. In this case, this was often related to perceptions of class and perceptions of snobbery from other people.

“Culture often seems to be for cliques that are very hard to break into.” (Female, 65-74)

“There are still problems of perception among working class Scots regarding the “high” arts. Some things can still be seen as elitist. Anything that helps dissolve those old tensions and misconceptions would be helpful in making culture and the creative arts more available.” (Male, 65-74)

Respondents also reflected on employment issues within the creative sector around unequal opportunities.^[18]

“In the UK, there is still a real issue with cultural and creative jobs only being open to the wealthy. Media, culture, events, film, music, arts - organisations from these sectors seem mostly to be accessible to the middle class and those lucky enough to be able to work for cheap/free for significant amounts of time.” (Male, 35-44)

There was a strong belief in ‘cultural rights’ and that access and exposure to cultural opportunities are ‘not a luxury’ but something that everyone should be afforded, as a fundamental right and essential to living.

“[Culture and creativity] mean everything to me. Accessing culture is a basic human right. We need to spend more money on culture in Scotland if we truly believe in equality and equal access.” (Female, 35-44)

Access and Environmental Barriers

This section focuses on how the built, geographic and social environment can stop people from being able to participate or how it can impose further access barriers, such as added costs.

The weather and impediments to natural environment

For those that enjoy outdoor activities, the Scottish weather was often cited as an obstacle, in terms of impacting on the enjoyment of the activity and the impact it can have on travel - particularly for island and rural communities (see transport section).

Some respondents spoke about the degradation of the natural environment and a lack of conservation efforts to protect green and blue spaces. Behaviours such as littering, fly tipping and antisocial behaviours, were also mentioned as making places and outdoor activities less attractive and/or potentially dangerous.

“Wild swimming has almost finished due to the poor quality of the water and sewage outflows. Fishing has now become over commercialised and unless you pay heavily you cannot access water to fish. I am over 72 and it cost a fortune to use a rod even once a year now.” (Male, 65-74, Perth & Kinross)

Other impediments to enjoying the natural environment included lack of information about green spaces and lack of clearly marked routes, as well as issues with private land access.

“I also think green spaces should be advertised and pointed out better because they can be hard to find and because many people didn't know they existed.” (Female, 16-24, Dundee City)

Respondents with mobility issues spoke about physical impediments to their getting about, including obstructed pavements and access issues to green spaces.

“There is no suitable transport/buses designed to include disabled people on mobility scooters so I can't have a day out anywhere. I was really pleased when Scot Gov banned pavement parking only to discover that nothing has changed, vehicles are still being allowed to block pavements, so this restricts my right to get around outdoors.” (Female, 65-74, East Dunbartonshire)

Geography

Some respondents from rural and island areas described having limited access to local cultural opportunities (which shall be explored further in Place and space section).^[19] For those who wish to, this requires travel to other towns/cities to be able to enjoy different activities, which in turn requires extra money, travel/time and planning considerations. It was also raised that in rural areas the provision of events is usually seasonal, so there is less to do in the winter.

“If you want to see the range and quality of arts events that people in Scotland's cities take for granted, you have to go to Scotland's cities. But since COVID, that means driving since bus services have been curtailed, and it is no longer possible for us to get home on public transport after late afternoon/early evening.” (Male, 55-64, Scottish Borders)

There were call outs within the survey responses for more online art exhibitions to enable those in more remote areas to participate in different cultural life. However, others raised ongoing connectivity issues and disparities - such as slow wifi and low signal - in rural areas that equally inhibits their ability to engage in online activities.^[20]

A separate geographic issue surrounded (over)tourism. Respondents described being put off visiting local attractions due to the influx of tourists in holiday seasons.

“Over tourism - Mainland Orkney has become so busy in the summer months that, although I live near the Ring of Brodgar, I don't go there during the day from about the end of May to late September. I also cannot visit other historical sites or places like the cliffs of Yesnaby for the same reason.” (Female, 65-74, Orkney Islands)

Transport

Lack of public transport connections and wider issues surrounding frequency, reliability and cost all featured heavily amongst the responses on barriers.

Limited late night public transport was also consistently raised as a barrier to attending evening events and socialising.

“For local events & socialising, the lack of late buses/trains to get home is limiting. Sometimes I'll pass-up an event because I'd have to leave so early to get public transport home that it's not worth going. Other times I'll drive. Due to the high cost of taxi fares, I regard taxi travel home from events as a rare treat.” (Male, 65-74, Fife)

“Transport in the Borders is an issue. We have to rely on our cars to get most places. Buses are expensive and the train is only accessible from Tweedbank/ Galashiels.” (Female, 55-64, Scottish Borders)

For islanders, issues with ferries affects both their leaving the island and incoming opportunities.

“Yes, the unsatisfactory, limited and unreliable ferry service. You can't go off the island and be confident of getting back on, and friends and family can't visit without fear of very long wait times or not getting back.” (Female, 45-54, North Ayrshire)

There were also mentions to wider travel infrastructure in disrepair, with mentions of poor ‘road conditions’ and potholes, lack of charging points for electric vehicles, and congestion all being off-putting or inhibiting factors that stop people from their preferred pastimes. Some respondents also mentioned parking fees being inhibiting, as well as there not being guaranteed parking, and/or not at reasonable rates.

Inaccessibility

Many respondents expressed how venues are often not accessible to their needs, as well as venues not making enough information and signage about accessibility.

Accessibility needs can take many forms. For example, relating to mobility and sensory needs, particularly in busy and noisy spaces. Others mentioned venues not having adequate toilet and changing facilities and expressed concerns over a lack of good ventilation and the risk of airborne viruses.

“I will probably have to give up watching football as every ground in Scotland is now inaccessible to people with my disability.” (Female, disabled, 45-54)

“For gigs, I also struggle standing for long periods of time so if no seating is available, I similarly have to evaluate if it will be worth it.” (Female, disabled, 25-34)

Amongst the survey responses and discussions^[21], there was a feeling that disabled people are excluded from many opportunities. This is because it is assumed too difficult and/or expensive to make certain activities or venues inclusive for different needs.

“I have mobility issues which affect my balance so it is a big help if there are benches dotted about so I can recharge when I’m out. There is a lack of handrails in theatres in the circle and gallery seats so have to book more expensive seats in the stalls to feel safe and avoid falls - so that can price me out of attending.” (Female, disabled, 55-64)

In discussion with The Assembly, a network of adults with autism and learning difficulties, some of their members shared that a lack of accessibility measures was often a problem of attitudes, not just budgets. And that inclusive adjustments are not as difficult to achieve as sometimes assumed. They also pointed out that making accessible and inclusive adjustments, such as installing extra signage, would also benefit non-disabled people too.

Lacking local infrastructure and perceived decline

A consistent issue raised across the survey responses was how declining local infrastructure constricts choice. Local infrastructure in this sense means the types of spaces/places that exist, how easy they are to get to, when/how long they are open, and the general variety of things/activities on offer (this is also discussed in Place and Space section). Some respondents described how there seem to be fewer cultural and creative opportunities now than there were 5, 10, or even 30 years ago.

There were mentions of ‘ghost’ towns and a feeling that there used to be a wider variety of venues and programmes. It was suggested that remaining spaces require more investment and upgrading.

“I just really want to see Scotland's cultural vibrancy return. I feel we've already lost quite a lot and we are set to lose a lot more. We are very lucky to have subsidised museums and galleries... I'm also very worried about the underfunding of these vital spaces.” (Female, 35-44)

Some described the poor availability of activities, particularly for sports centres and local pools with limited opening hours, as well as lack of free and affordable activities. Some respondents detailed that few venues are open after 6 p.m., other than pubs which necessitates spending money and is not always the environment people are seeking.

Many respondents spoke about venues closing and reduced programming due to lack of investment, funding shortfalls and/or short-term funding preventing longer-term programming.

“I used to go to the library a lot, but it was often closed as there were not enough staff. This was hard and I lost interest.” (Disabled respondent via The Action Group.)

Some respondents linked the lack of local cultural options with the belief that after the pandemic, venues needed to offer ‘safer,’ more commercially viable events as their primary cultural offerings. This was a source of concern for some respondents.

“Myself and many people I know feel worried about the future of our favourite independent venues. The government and the council are not doing enough to support them while all around us buildings are turned into soulless luxury flats that don’t benefit our local community. My ability to enjoy culture and creativity is completely reliant on small/independent business and other organisations - big corporations and national organisations cannot provide the important service that they do.” (Female, 25-34)

It was suggested that this decline is linked to a wider devaluation of the cultural sector and reduced (public) funding. These views described how culture seems to be relegated in times of constrained government budgets, as compared to other sectors which are generally perceived to be considered higher priorities.

While acknowledging these responses and wider perceptions around the disappearance of traditional social infrastructure, this may be a partial picture that reflects the respondents' personal interests. As well as focusing on what is no longer there, it is worth exploring what, if any, new social spaces are appearing. For example, some cities have seen a growing number of ‘new social infrastructure’ such as skate parks, small breweries, religious centres and games venues.^[22]

Sector-wide issues

The survey appeared to attract respondents who work in the culture and creative sectors, linked to the promotion channels for this survey, as well as the self-selecting nature of the survey appealing to those who were perhaps more interested in this topic.^[23]

Many of these respondents raised issues around a lack of support for them as creative professionals. Issues included increasing costs of studios and venues for rehearsal and performing, lack of steady income for freelancers, and wider issues surrounding access to funding, such as grants.

“Lack of funding for creatives. No affordable space for creative people to host events and make differences in their communities.” (Male, 25-34)

Some respondents praised organisations such as the Edinburgh International Festival that have worker discounts to make their events more accessible and called for other organisations to run similar schemes.

Supports for professional creatives

These respondents spoke about the need for more sustainable and longer-term (public) funding; as well as wider supports for freelance creative workers. Some called for greater and alternative funding avenues, such as a (universal) basic income for artists (BIA)– with reference to a current BIA pilot scheme in Ireland.^[24]

“As a creative practitioner, culture and creativity are not just my passion they are the work that I do. However, I find it difficult to get out to other events and activities because of the cost and lack of free time. As a freelancer, I often spend what little free time I have looking for other work. This may not be the venue for it, but a universal basic income for artists would free up so many resources and catalyse even more creativity across the board.” (Female, 55-64)

Suggested solutions to barriers

While the survey did not directly ask for this, some respondents presented suggestions for ways government/authorities could help alleviate or reduce some of the barriers that restrict them. These varied from practical solutions around parking and public transport, through to learning from different countries.

“In my ideal Scotland, I would love to see it emulate Finland's model of libraries. These libraries are equipped with 3D printers, embroidery machines, and other items that can be borrowed by the public to foster creativity. Additionally, the libraries also lend out handmade items, art, and other creative works, which would address the issue of accessibility to creative spaces for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds.” (Female, 25-34)

“I would also like to see local free buses put on for bigger events in the city which would mean more people would have the means to attend.” (Female 55-64)