Cultural engagement in Scotland: insights from people's experiences

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 connection, learning, growth, 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.^[30]
• 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. There were repeated mentions of cherished, multipurpose community centres, or venues such as cinemas and town halls closing. 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.