Cultural engagement in Scotland: insights from people's experiences

This report provides insights into people's experiences and perceptions of culture and creativity. It draws on data from an online 'free-text' survey that was designed to provide wider context to the data that is available through the Scottish Household Survey.


Section 5: Place and space

Perception of ‘place’

Respondents were asked what they think about the places where they can access or take part in cultural and creative activities. Most respondents described buildings such as theatres, museums, cinemas, galleries, studios (e.g. dance or art), historical sites, or events such as music concerts, sporting events and festivals. There were also several references to community venues such as churches, community centres, town halls, gardens, parks and libraries. A small number of respondents also highlighted their use of ‘online’ spaces.[28]

While most respondents described going to a building, a venue or a place, it was acknowledged that it is not always necessary to go to a place to ‘access’ culture (see the culture is inseparable to everyday life section).

Affordability

Many respondents focused on the costs associated with accessing or taking part in cultural activities. For some, these costs were deemed to be too high and restrictive.

“It can be really expensive to take part in cultural/creative activities. I very rarely attend big major events as the price is prohibitive…On top of the event price I also have to cost in travel expenses and time factor.” (Female, 55-64)

Transport and accommodation costs can create an additional barrier. While this was an issue for a range of respondents, it was given particular focus from respondents in remote or rural communities who wanted to travel to a city.

“If you don't live in the city then the cost of getting there is enough to put you off.” (Female, 25-34)

Respondents also related things like the size of their family, their age and their health status, to the fact that the costs were too high for them.

Some respondents noted that the costs associated with accessing places had significantly increased. This limited the frequency in which some people could access these places, or in some situations, it put them off altogether.

“I used to go to the cinema a lot but now don't due to the cost of a family going.” (Female, 35-44)

Due to the cost of accessing some cultural activities and places, some respondents described having to plan and be selective. For example, when the activity is associated with a special occasion or a ‘treat’. Some were also reflective around weighing up the value they would gain from the cultural experience and their support of the sector with the cost.

“I will weigh up the value I think I will get from any creative or cultural activity against the cost and challenge that the opportunity presents. In some instances, I will commit to a high cost because I feel the value is there for me.” (Male, 55-64)

Importance of free places

There was a strong and positive sentiment associated with places that can be accessed for free. Many described feeling ‘lucky’ and appreciative to live near museums and galleries that they can access for free. It was described as a ‘privilege’ that is not taken for granted.

“Many places are free, and I think that is an incredible thing that civic society offers” (Male, 45-54)

The importance of these free places was felt on several levels. Respondents described how they provide vital access for exploration and learning and are directly linked to wellbeing.

“I think the museums in Scotland being free is so good for our mental wellbeing, most of the time we can't afford days out when you add up the cost of travel and entry to places, but we can take sandwiches and make a day of visiting a museum and learn about culture and history.” (Female, 45-54)

Some respondents felt that free places were more welcoming than places where you had to pay to access cultural activities. This was due to perceptions of equity and accessibility. Although, as explored in the section below (accessibility) this was not felt by everyone.

“One of the things I love about Edinburgh is that the museum and art galleries are free - it makes it accessible and welcoming, you don't feel out of place just because you're not rich.” (Female, 25-34)

Alongside places such museums and galleries, several respondents were very positive towards the role of libraires.

“Libraries in particular are essential as the last remaining place people can access information for free and should be nurtured and celebrated.” (Female, 35-44)

“Our local library is an absolute godsend as it is the only place where you are not expected to spend money where you can access culture. It is a very welcoming space.” (Female, 35-44)

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.

Accessibility Respondents approached the topic of accessibility in different ways, including access to buildings, ability to pay for access, challenges travelling to places, limited access due to restrictive opening times, and more personal issues such as confidence and comfort.

There were challenges raised in relation to physical access to buildings, particularly for people with disabilities.

“As a Blue Badge holder, I have been to events where parking is impossible, and stairs lead to the actual event…I will never return until this is addressed.” (Female, 65-74)

Once inside a venue there were also accessibility challenges for respondents in relation to space, seating, toilets, equipment and facilities. It was highlighted that staff training can make a positive impact.

“With audio transcriptions, often the headsets are falling apart or extremely uncomfortable. Good efforts are being made but also need to continue to be made. Venues that train their staff on accessibility, make a world of difference to disabled attendees too.” (Female, 25-34)

It was noted that online activities can help to mitigate some of these challenges.

“Online creative activities, where it can have some drawbacks, has really opened up accessibility, especially for people who are housebound or have disabilities, and significantly reduces the cost & travel overheads” (Female, 65-74)

Respondents also discussed accessibility from the perspective of how welcoming a place can feel. While some felt that the accessibility of free places automatically generated a welcome atmosphere, others disagreed. It was felt that a lack of self-confidence can make the thought of access difficult.

“Even low costs exclude many people. Entering groups of people who are "not like me" is never easy unless you have self-confidence, getting started can be daunting.” (Male, 65-74)

Impact of reduced funding

There was a perception amongst some respondents that the quality of cultural places is under threat, and more support is needed (discussed also in the access and environmental barriers section).

“I think that a lot of Scotland's places that are meant to facilitate culture are very run down and in need of better support.” (Respondent, 35-44)

Some respondents linked this directly to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Community spaces can also be very cold (or very warm!) depending on the time of year and I feel this has worsened due to the cost of living/now very high cost to heat buildings.” (Female, 25-34)

While there were concerns around people’s individual experiences of different places, respondents also made the wider point that a lack of funding could have longer term consequences at a wider societal level.

“Funding for the arts is vital for a well-being economy and a connected society. It is an investment in community which results in less funding being required for other public services.” (Female, 25-34)

Perceptions of local area

As the respondents to this survey are based across all of Scotland (see Annex B) they expressed a diverse range of views when asked to reflect on their ‘local area.’

When considering the geographical and demographic features of their local area and the relationship this has with cultural opportunities, respondents tended to focus on issues such as the differences between urban (mainly the ‘central belt’) and rural areas, inequalities, levels of deprivation and the limiting impact this can have on access to cultural opportunities.[29]

“We live in the most deprived area of Scotland so usually have to travel to take part in cultural activities. I would like to see more.” (Female, 35-44)

Some respondents were accepting of the need to travel from their local area, to access more opportunities and specific events. Whereas some wished for more community-based opportunities.

“I think there should be more emphasis on creative activities outside of city centres, in community spaces or library venues across towns.” (Female, 55-64)

There were also comments made in relation to inequalities - both at a national level and within specific cities.

“There needs to be services offering cultural and creative activities all over the country, not just in the central belt where it is most lucrative.” (Male, 16-24)

“As I live in the east end of Glasgow, I don’t think people here have the same opportunities as other parts of Glasgow never mind Scotland.” (Female, 55-64)

Missed opportunities

Many expressed having limited awareness about local opportunities. This was because either they do not know where to look for information, or there is limited advertising. Some described feeling like they were missing out on opportunities, and that they would engage with more activities if they had more information about what was available to them.

“I think communication about what’s going on locally is often an issue. I often hear about things on the day or after they’ve happened.” (Female, 35-44)

It was raised that the effort required to obtain up to date information across different promotional channels, such as websites, social media and newsletters can act as a barrier.

There were several suggestions to have more ‘visible’ ways of conveying information. For example, some form of central system, website or community board that advertises local opportunities.

“Inverclyde desperately needs a central information system where organisations can share what's going on, and the public can access the information easily without missing out from not following every org's social media or newsletter.” (Female, 25-34)

Although it was recognised that not everyone has equal access to technology. Respondents commented on how relying on social media to share information can be problematic.

“I don't have Facebook, so unable to access community groups there - and other social media platforms don't seem to offer this info up in the same manner. I would really love a hub where this information could be easily accessed, as I would have great interest in partaking.” (Female, 25-34)

Further, it was highlighted that ‘knowing where to look’ is only part of the problem. There may be other barriers that will impact on someone’s ability to seek out different opportunities, causing feelings of frustration, which may stop people engaging altogether.

“Accessing the information for what's going on is dependent on you knowing what's available to ask about. If you don't have the right class or educational background you don't necessarily know what to ask to find it, never mind who to ask. My experience is it’s time consuming and frustrating finding opportunities of interest or suitable for me.” (Female, 45-54)

Contact

Email: socialresearch@gov.scot

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