21 May 2004
Scotland's spending on the arts is higher than in the rest of the country – thanks to local authorities.
A University of Glasgow survey published this week shows that arts expenditure accounted for 0.49% of public spending in Scotland, compared with 0.39% in Wales, 0.36% in England and 0.31% in Northern Ireland.
Unlike their English counterparts, Scottish councils have a statutory duty to make 'adequate' provision for the arts.
The Scottish Executive welcomed the figures. 'Cash for culture is going from £121m in 2000/01 to £160m in 2005/06, an extra £39m a year and a 32% increase,' said a spokeswoman. 'This is a realistic study, which recognises how much we do for the arts.'
Report author Susan Galloway said much of the increase in funding to the Scottish Arts Council had been ring-fenced by the Scottish Executive for particular projects, including the new national theatre of Scotland and music tuition in schools.
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