Scotland: Creative Nation - Scottish Arts Council launches Cultural Summit

Scotland’s largest gathering of artists, arts organisations and delegates from the widest cultural sector will converge on Edinburgh next February.

A three-day cultural summit, initiated and hosted by the Scottish Arts Council will focus on exploration, discussion and debate of pertinent issues in the context of the development of Creative Scotland.

Confirmed speakers include: John Knell, one of the UK's leading thinkers on the changing face of work and organisations, and co-founder of Intelligence Agency; Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture; and Richard Holloway, Chairman of the Joint Board Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.

In addition to individual artists and arts organisations, the Summit aims to attract senior delegates from sectors with an interest in or working with arts and culture, including: enlightened business leaders; those working in travel and tourism; health and well being, and equalities professionals; leaders and developers in the creative industries; elected members and politicians, alongside senior representatives from local authorities.

Jim Tough, Acting Chief Executive of the Scottish Arts Council announced the conference and added:

‘Scotland: Creative Nation is a key date for the diary for anyone interested in contributing to the future of the arts and cultural policy in Scotland. 

‘As well as presentations from influential thinkers in cultural policy, we are also harnessing the skills of influential ‘do-ers’ across a spectrum of creativity. We plan a celebration of the achievements of the arts, as well as a unique opportunity to talk about the subjects that inspire our passions.

‘We want delegates to leave Edinburgh inspired by their potential role in Scotland’s creative future.’

The Summit will offer the best networking opportunities and provide a catalyst for creative partnerships and imaginative developments. A range of commissioned performances and an artists’ studio will put the arts at its very heart.

Chairing the three days will be Brian Taylor, Political Editor BBC Scotland; Janice Forsyth, journalist and BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster; and Sheena McDonald, journalist and broadcaster.

‘Scotland: Creative Nation’ will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 25-27 February 2008.  Delegates will be able to attend the whole conference or parts of it.  A flexible booking system will be available online at www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/professional/conferencesandevents.aspx by the beginning of November.

Notes to editors

1. The Scottish Arts Council serves the people of Scotland by fostering arts of excellence through investment, development, research and advocacy. Our corporate aims are: to support artists to fulfil their creative and business potential; to increase participation in the arts; and to place the arts, culture and creativity at the heart of learning. We invest £60m each year, including £15 million of National Lottery funding.
   
2. John Knell has worked with a range of corporate clients, including Microsoft, Tesco, Astra Zeneca, LLoyds TSB, Manpower, and Siemens. Intelligence Agency's current clients include Accenture, Arts & Business, Arts Council England, the Cabinet Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry. John's recent work focuses on helping organisations to think differently about their external environment and operational context; he works both on strategy formation and in supporting organisations to become more agile in their delivery to stakeholders. As director of research and advocacy John played a key role in transforming the Work foundation into an authority on work issues and his writings on the impact of the new economy on the labour market helped shape emerging attitudes to employee relations. John regularly contributes to the Top Management programme for senior civil servants run by the Cabinet Office, and is a frequent public speaker and commentator on workplace issues. John is on the advisory board of the Economic and Social Research Council funded Centre for Organisation and Innovation at the University of Sheffield. 
   
3. Sign up on our website to register for information about Scotland: Creative Nation and to receive updates to the programme. 
   
4. A reference group has been established to plan the Summit. Alongside Scottish Arts Council staff, its membership includes:
   Lesley O’Hare, Falkirk Council
   Steve Grimmond, Fife Council
   Mike Callaghan, COSLA
   Angela Saunders, Scottish Government
   Scott Donaldson, Scottish Screen
   Charles Bell, Culture and Sport Glasgow 
   
5. Edinburgh International Conference Centre is fully accessible. The conference will be supported by Sign Language Interpreters.

Contact email(s)

media.office@scottisharts.org.uk

Issued by: Scottish Arts Council