This page provides a detailed guide to Scottish Culture Policy for the performing arts. The performing arts in Scotland, including theatre, opera, and dance, are primarily covered under the broader category of culture in policy and government decision-making.
Culture Policy in Scotland
Culture is devolved in Scotland, which means most decisions are made by the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government. However, certain areas, such as Theatre Tax Relief (TTR), are determined at the UK Government level. Local authorities also make decisions that impact the performing arts, particularly in areas such as community arts projects and local cultural budgets.
Scottish Government and Culture
The Scottish Government has a Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture, and Gaelic, who oversees culture policy in Scotland. More information about their role and contact details can be found on the Scottish Government website.
Culture policy is administered by the Culture and External Affairs (CEA) Directorate, the civil service department responsible for implementing government initiatives and policies affecting the performing arts.
Scottish Parliament and Culture
The Europe, External Affairs and Culture (EEAC) Committee provides oversight of the Scottish Government’s work on culture, including budget decisions for the performing arts. While the committee also addresses international and constitutional matters, it plays a key role in scrutinising cultural policy.
EEACC Committee meetings are broadcast on Scottish Parliament TV, and all committee reports are publicly available online. FST regularly provides evidence to the committee on behalf of the Scottish performing arts sector.
The Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Communities and Culture is a space for MSPs and the sector to meet to discuss the sector. It is hosted by Culture Counts and meets regularly with online participation options.
UK Government and Culture
For issues affecting the performing arts across the UK, UK Theatre leads policy engagement. The Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) supports UK Theatre and may undertake additional engagement on issues that specifically impact the Scottish performing arts sector.
Strategies and Plans
Government decision-making usually follows strategies and plans. There are few that impact upon the Scottish culture sector which can be helpful to reference.
Scottish Government – A Culture Strategy for Scotland (February 2020)
Scottish Government – A Culture Strategy for Scotland: Action Plan (December 2023)
UK Government – Creative Industries Sector Plan (June 2025)
Research, Reports, and Reviews
Over recent years, there have been numerous research studies, reviews, and reports examining different aspects of the performing arts and culture sector in Scotland, particularly regarding public funding and cultural policy. Our Research, Reports, and Reviews page provides a curated list of recent and key publications, offering insights into the challenges, trends, and developments affecting Scottish theatre, opera, and dance.