Culture sector - support needs: survey analysis

5. Future support needs

Question 26: Thinking about any potential support (other than direct financial support) that you need, to what extent do you agree, or not, that the following types of support would be useful for you or your organisation?

In the final section of the survey, respondents were asked about their support needs (now and in the future).

As shown in Figure 19 and Table 34, the types of potential support (other than financial) that were seen as most useful to respondents or their organisations included:

• ‘Representation of culture sector interests’ - 81% ‘strongly agreed or agreed’
• ‘Support influencing policy on behalf of culture sector’ - 80% ‘strongly agreed or agreed’
• ‘Sponsorship of groups, events or creative spaces’ - 79% ‘strongly agreed or agreed’

Respondents were least likely to agree that ‘support with procurement’ would be useful - 45% ‘strongly agreed or agreed’ and 42% ‘neutral’ on this.

There were differences between individual respondents and organisations (see Table 35 and Table 36). For individuals, the most useful support was:

• ‘Sponsorship of groups, events or creative spaces’ - 81% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’
• ‘Support with applying for grants’ - 77% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’
• ‘Support influencing policy on behalf of culture sector’ - 75% agreed / strongly agreed
• ‘Representation of culture sector interests’ - 75% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’

For organisations, the most useful support was:

• ‘Representation of culture sector interests’ - 91% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’
• ‘Support influencing policy on behalf of culture sector’ - 88% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’
• ‘Promotion and support for communication and networking’ - 82% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’
• ‘Support promoting social impact’ - 82% ‘strongly agreed / agreed’

See Table 35 and Table 36 for the full data tables.

Type of ‘information and support’ that would be useful

Question 27: If you selected that you would find 'information and support' useful please can you tell us more about what types of information and support you would find most useful?

For example, on topics relating to:

• International/Equalities/ Net Zero/Fair Work/Other

Respondents were asked to expand on what types of information and advice / support they would find useful. Whilst a number of respondents re-emphasised the view that direct financial support for the sector was the priority, a range of information and support needs were identified. The following topics were suggested:

• Funding
• Business support and advice
• Best practice implementation
• Sustainability
• Equalities
• Fair work
• International
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• Signposting
• Training and mentoring
• Data and digital
• Communication and engagement

Respondents highlighted the need for up to date, transparent and practical information and support, tailored to the sector, to different sized organisations and to individuals. This included, for instance, case studies and best practice examples, online databases, and templates.

Funding

Support needs included up to date information about all available funding opportunities and grants, funding for international opportunities, funding opportunities for freelancers, sponsorship, funding for core costs, and how to access funding towards achieving net zero ambitions or funding equality, diversity and inclusion.

A number of respondents requested guidance on how to apply, including how to complete applications, help and clarity on funding criteria, and transparency around what is being prioritised, to support successful applications.

Suggestions included simplified / streamlined application processes, face to face interviews instead of applications, providing single processes and forms between main funders, accessible information with plain language, and strategies to ensure more equitable access to funding.

Additional suggestions included templates, case studies of best practice to see examples of successful applications, feedback on applications, and notifications when funding applications opened. A number of respondents felt that an online source of information on all available funding opportunities would be beneficial.

“I would love to have a singular online location the lists all relevant funding opportunities in the UK.” (Organisation respondent)

Business support and advice

Some respondents requested information and support on business skills such as marketing and promotion, social media, accountancy, financial planning, tax and growing and sustaining a business, income generation, fundraising and ethical fundraising, copyright and Intellectual Property advice. Some particularly highlighted the need to tailor guidance to the sector rather than providing generic business advice.

“Smaller and younger organisations… would benefit from support to sustain and stabilise their work, grow if they wanted to, and generate careers from cultural activity.” (Individual respondent)

Requests also included legal advice and support around new legislation. Some individual respondents specifically mentioned General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) legislation, and the need for information and advice around this. Opportunities for one-to-one or specialist advice and feedback were highlighted.

“Most useful would be specific face to face advice for our organisation - email info can be overwhelming and networking events can be difficult to attend due to lack of core funding and capacity outside project delivery .” (Organisation respondent)

Some also requested support and sharing of best practice, in areas including HR and recruitment, employment law, union rights, simple contracts, working with freelancers and best practice on rates, employment law, equalities, business development, legal and finance related matters.

Best practice implementation

Respondents frequently highlighted the need for ongoing and up to date information, guidance / training and best practice (online and in-person) in relation to key activities, including equalities, fair work, and net zero in the format of templates and case studies.

“Examples of good practice / companies who are doing what Creative Scotland deem to be good. These could be in written form (like case studies) or they could organise online / in person sessions with those artists… specifically how Creative Scotland feels they meet the remits of Equalities and Net Zero.” (Individual respondent)

Smaller organisations noted that advice and guidance tends to be geared towards large organisations and that guidance needs to be tailored. Some individuals noted the need for support to be tailored to freelancers / individual creative practitioners.

A few respondents highlighted rural issues such as challenges around ensuring adequate commercial income in rural areas, and suggestions to tailor support regionally.

“We must empower existing regional organisations / agencies that understand the needs of local creative sectors to provide information and guidance for artists and arts organisations… each region faces unique barriers, and support should be bespoke .”(Organisation respondent)

There were additionally a small number of requests for information and guidance on safeguarding, including child protection, sector specific safeguarding, promoting good practice on organisations responding to allegations of abuse, rights based working for children, safeguarding and working with vulnerable communities.

Sustainability

Some individual respondents and small organisations would like more guidance on how to operate sustainably, including practical examples and support for projects addressing environmental issues and support on how to achieve net zero when working and travelling in rural areas.

Organisations also highlighted needs around sustainability. This included guidance around how to balance sustainability with international working, best practice within the sector on sustainability issues, guidance and support on reaching net zero, sustainable buildings, and how to access funding to support with this.

Equalities

Individuals and organisations highlighted the need for policy and resources to improve access and inclusion. This included, guidance around increasing the diversity of performers and audiences, equalities training, making exhibitions more accessible to marginalized groups (digitally and in-person) developing a more inclusive workforce, and resources to navigate inclusive practices within the arts.

Other responses highlighted greater inclusion for people with learning disabilities, funding and support for partially deaf and neurodivergent creative practitioners, access and support for LGBT+, older, disabled and fringe arts, accessible information and support in making exhibitions more accessible, support and collaborative opportunities for the disability community.

“We must find a way to create greater acceptance, understanding, and inclusion across the sector.” (Organisation respondent)

Fair Work

A number of organisations highlighted the need for information and advice on fair work, including obligations, successful implementation of the fair work agenda, best practice on employment of freelance professionals and practical examples such as examples for casual staff on short term contracts.

“Any and all information on the successful implementation of the Fair Work agenda… and these aspirations are considered when resources are tight is always very welcome.” (Organisation respondent)

Individuals also highlighted requests for information around fair work, transparent guidelines around paying collaborators and others fairly, how to balance fair work principles with financial sustainability, and the need for advocacy for fair work practices.

International

For both individuals and organisations, international needs included support with accessing international opportunities, cultural exchanges, outreach, residencies and collaborations. Additionally, some noted support around international touring, trade, and support in accessing funding to engage in international opportunities. A number highlighted needs around how to balance international work with net zero.

“Exploration between the environment, international touring and the genuine desire to maintain an international reputation - at a policy level.” (Organisation respondent)

Some individuals flagged ongoing support needs regarding Brexit. This included tax and VAT rules, finding information on sales in EU countries, advice on exporting and exhibiting, and visas for European creative practitioners.

Networking and collaboration opportunities

Individuals and organisations commonly highlighted networking and collaboration needs. Individuals highlighted both local and international opportunities, cross sector collaboration opportunities, local networks for support and guidance, and networking events.

Organisations highlighted opportunities to share information, resources (particularly for smaller organisations), opportunities for partnership projects, and to advocate collectively.

“Because organisations are regarded and evaluated as individual entities there is little or no culture of organisations working together to share information on a full range of topics that affect us. It would be great if there were more opportunities for organisations to come together to share information and resources.” (Organisation respondent)

Locally, this included chances to connect with similar organisations. Suggestions included a directory of available live classical musicians and groups, local cultural liaison officers, links with local volunteer groups, marginalised communities, networks for music clubs, links across the theatre sector, and platforms to connect with other arts organisations, funders and practitioners.

Training and Mentoring

Some respondents requested support with training. Examples included fair work, equalities and net zero, free online digital training, social media training, public speaking and chairing, and training to address skills shortages. Some raised access to affordable training opportunities, and access to opportunities for freelancers.

“Our roles and nature of our work is often overlooked. We frequently miss out on opportunities to attend conferences, events, training, because we need to self fund.” (Individual respondent)

Some suggested opportunities including, peer to peer learning, mentoring opportunities, coaching and career support at different stages of people’s careers, help with exhibition spaces and curation, and paid residency opportunities. A small number of respondents requested specific support around mental health and wellbeing topics, such as confidence building.

“Mentors for early career creatives to try and keep them from giving up would be amazing. Something like what Outer Spaces are doing...” (Individual respondent)

Signposting

Organisations were more likely than individuals to say that information was already available, and that the need was therefore about signposting and promoting what is available already, to avoid duplication.

“There is always available info on almost everything you need to know if you look for it. Avoiding duplication needs to be a priority .” (Organisation respondent)

Suggestions included a hub or single channel of information and support.

“A centralised hub with all the information, and then a framework we all agree to and a badge to demonstrate its being employed. Proportionate to the size and reach of our organisations.” (Organisation respondent)

Data and Digital

Organisations highlighted data and digital needs including access to sector data and data on trends, challenges and opportunities, data on touring and presenting work, and data collection and analysis on the whole of the culture sector, in order to represent interests of the full sector.

“Whole culture sector data collection - Collecting data on whole sector, not just funded organisations, or creative industries. To include data on cultural organisations of amateur / leisure time organisations.” (Organisation respondent)

Some organisations also noted advice and support needs around digital tools, such as leveraging tools and platforms for marketing, integrating new technologies into artistic practice or for business development, support with data collection and analysis, the use of generative AI to build efficiencies and develop the visitor experience, and the application of AI to support administrative function. A small number of individuals requested support around issues relating to AI such as copyright protection.

Both individual and organisational responses included requests for databases covering a range of different areas: information on funding available outside of Creative Scotland; funding e-bulletin; art markets in Scotland; contacts for live events; touring venues, programming contacts and venue specifications; video game funding opportunities in the UK; foundations / trusts; directory of available live classical musicians and groups.

“If there was a database that everyone could access with all funders for the creative sector listed, and kept up to date with deadlines etc, that would be very useful.” (Individual respondent)

Communication and Engagement

Several individuals and organisations highlighted the need for regular and consistent communication both from Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government, better engagement sector-wide, and the need for more up to date information on changing policies and best practice, and sector updates.

“The communication and advocacy between Creative Scotland, Local Authority and government towards organisations could be vastly improved and would make a real difference.” (Organisation respondent)

There were also some requests for greater transparency, including how and why decisions are made, transparency around procurement processes, guidelines on paying people, funding, and examples of what good practice looks like to Creative Scotland.

Area of support or services respondents or organisations currently find most helpful and needs to be retained

Question 28: What one area of support or services do you currently find most helpful and needs to be retained?

The identified areas of support clustered around the following key themes:

• Funding and financial support

This included obtaining funding and also receiving support on funding opportunities and applications. The Open Fund from Creative Scotland for individuals was mentioned by some respondents as being particularly helpful. Although, some noted that this fund could be improved to be more accessible to a wider pool of people.

“Retaining this funding framework [The Open Fund] and enhancing its accessibility through greater transparency, clearer feedback, and a more equitable distribution of resources would maximise its impact for a broader range of artists” (Individual respondent)

• Guidance and feedback

Respondents stated that guidance on applying for funding and grants, feedback on unsuccessful applications and also wider sector / peer guidance and support is useful.

“As a volunteer run museum we need support and guidance, including actual site visits, from professionals in the museum sector to enable us to maintain and manage our collections in the safe and correct manor” (Organisation respondent)

• Networking and advocacy

Many respondents shared how important it is to create opportunities for sector networking and connection and the ability for colleagues to share good practice, exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Related to this was the role of advocacy. An organisation that was highlighted as doing good work in this area included the Federation of Scottish Theatre. However, most respondents just generally expressed the importance of promoting and protecting the interests and rights of individuals and organisations in the culture sector.

From the perspective of an advocacy body, it was suggested that having good quality sector data and effective systems and processes to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences is important.

“Advocacy relies on good and up to date evidence… it’s vital that there is a drive to share and access sector data more easily. More support for research and evaluation would help to embed an outcome-based approach to policy making and funding decisions into the future” (Organisation respondent)

Some respondents (see question 27 on support needs) felt there was a gap in terms of consistent and powerful advocacy for culture and its importance to society.

• Resources and tools

Respondents emphasised how useful it is to receive information through sources such as newsletters, email updates and online portals such as the Creative Scotland opportunities portal. Specific mention was given to sector specific resources that were deemed to be helpful (e.g. the Fair Work Framework Toolkit, Business Gateway, The Chamber Music Directory, the Third Sector Lab), having access to worker led bodies (e.g. Trade Unions) and business advice services and grants. Views on this topic were also raised in question 27 on types of support that would be helpful – with respondents suggesting that a centralised hub or single channel of information would be valuable.

• Access to specialists

Respondents reflected on their helpful relationships with project, art and lead officers (across different funding bodies and sectors) who have strong specialist knowledge.

“Within Creative Scotland, the specific artform expertise is - in my opinion - the most valuable knowledge asset.” (Organisation respondent)

Future support

Question 29: Which, if any, of the following might you or your organisation usefully benefit from in the next 12-24 months? (select all that apply)

Respondents were given a list of options that they or their organisation might benefit from in the next 12-24 months.^[39]

As detailed in Figure 20 and Table 37, the forms of support that were deemed to be most beneficial, from a third of more of the respondents, included:

• ‘Collaborating with others’ - 59%
• ‘Researching new opportunities’ - 38%
• ‘Developing a marketing strategy’ - 37%
• ‘Developing digital capabilities’ - 35%
• ‘Measuring impact’ - 34%
• ‘Attracting private investment’ - 33%

Options that were perceived to be less beneficial included:

• ‘Attracting repayable / loan finance’ – six percent and
• ‘Starting up a new business venture’ - 10%.

See Table 37 for more detail.

The responses were then analysed to look for any differences between individuals and organisations. In the main, organisations were more likely than individuals to want support with the options presented to them in this list. For example:

• ‘Measuring impact’ - 50% of organisations agreed compared to 24% of individuals
• ‘Developing your workforce’ – 38% of organisations agreed compared to 14% of individuals
• ‘Attracting new and young talent’ - 42% of organisations agreed compared to 18% of individuals
• ‘Planning for business change and succession’- 33% of organisations agreed compared to 10% of individuals

Options that individual respondents were more likely to select than organisation respondents included:

• Starting up a new business venture’ - 13% of individuals agreed compared to four percent of organisations.
• ‘Finding a business mentor’ - 23% of individuals agreed compared to 14% of organisations.
• ‘Learning new business skills’ - 23% of individuals agreed compared to 17% of organisations.

Figure 21 details some of the biggest differences between individual respondents and organisation respondents (see Table 38 and Table 39 for the full data tables).

Question 30: If you selected 'other' to the above question about future support needs please state what here:

If respondents answered ‘other’ to the future support needs question above they were asked to state what this was. Common responses included:

• Affordable studio space (also mentioned in the next question about the biggest gap in support)
• Specialist advice on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) best practice
• Support to collaborate with others, including bringing freelance artists / creative practitioners together
• More tailored support / training (rather than general to the sector)

Other responses were varied and included support for things like: protection from AI, recruiting volunteers, accountancy VAT and tax advice, transitioning from a sole trader to a limited company, funding for equipment, and greater awareness and support for disabled and neurodivergent practitioners.

It was noted that not everyone felt they could complete this question. As can be seen in Figure 21, which shows that organisations were more likely to find these options beneficial, some felt that the list of options were less relevant to a freelancer / individual perspective. While the survey was not designed to focus on developing creative skills or practices, it is important to acknowledge that some creative practitioners may have support needs that are not reflected in this report.

Biggest gap in the provision of support for individuals / or organisations

Question 31: What would you say is the biggest gap in the provision of support for you/or your organisation?

Respondents were asked what the biggest gap in the provision of support was for them or their organisation.

Many respondents, both individuals and organisations, described issues relating to financial resources and support (these issues are also described in questions relating to funding experiences).

This was broadly in relation to the following areas:

• The lack of public funds compared to the demand and competition for them.
• A lack of long-term, regular, consistent funding.
• A lack of support for core costs for things such as staffing and utility bills.
• Challenges around the capacity to fundraise.
• Knowledge of funding opportunities / funding periods.
• A lack of funding and exposure for new / early career practitioners, independent artists and small organisations

The demand and competition for funding was described as an ongoing strain that can have a detrimental impact on delivery and discourages collaboration.

“There simply isn't funding available. We are all fighting for scraps and, invariably, the same projects receive whatever funding is available, year after year, regardless of their sustainability, viability or success / failure” (Organisation respondent)

It was expressed that short term funding, of three years or less, can inhibit growth and innovation and prevents longer term strategic planning. It was perceived that this also generates an environment of uncertainty which can place stress and burden on people. As such, it was felt that making a change to the duration of funding periods could have a significant positive impact.

Accessing funding for organisational core costs, such as operational overheads, infrastructure and staffing, was highlighted as a major gap. It was expressed that receiving support for these costs would ensure greater stability for staff and more time spent on delivery rather than fundraising (an issue that was commonly raised as being challenging). Collectively, it was felt that this would help to safeguard the future of organisations.

Respondents also expressed their views on a range of other (not financial) gaps in support. The main topics raised were:

• A lack of workshop / rehearsal / studio space.
• A wish for more time and opportunities to showcase work, discuss and network with partners, peers and colleagues across the sector (in Scotland and internationally) to identify new trends, learn and reflect.
• The challenges associated with being based in rural areas of Scotland and the distance from the central belt.
• A desire for more public sector and government cross portfolio and department working, and consideration of a ‘whole system’ approach.

Some ideas for change put forward by the respondents included a central resource to help keep organisations and individuals up to date and engaged across different policy areas and legislation (also raised in question 27).

Related to this, some respondents felt that there is an adequate range of support and information available to individuals and organisations, but it can be difficult and time consuming to find, or the information is sometimes too general. Therefore, clearer navigation and signposting coupled with specific specialist advice for particular art forms or smaller organisations was raised as being a helpful step forward.

Additional comments about any of the topics that were raised in this survey

Question 32: Do you have any additional comments about any of the topics that were raised in this survey?

Respondents used this question to expand on topics raised in the survey, to raise new issues, to express interest in any future opportunities to share their views (beyond this survey) and to challenge the applicability of the survey to particular professional backgrounds and situations.

Several core themes were identified. They were:

• Applicability of the survey

Some respondents felt that the survey questions were not as relevant for individuals, including freelancers, individuals who work in higher education and volunteers (as also noted in question 30). In particular, it was felt that some of the questions were too business orientated, and did not capture artistic strategy or the production of creative works.

“I'm sure some organisations will find it useful to think about their marketing, work on their international markets, clarify their business cases etc, but that language feels totally separate from what I do.” (Individual respondent)

Respondents expressed that those who do not feel their work or experiences align to the questions and topics posed in the survey may be less likely to complete it. It is therefore important to recognise that while this survey had a specific aim (and therefore could not cover a wide variety of support requirements) this report does not provide a comprehensive assessment of the broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences across the sector, and beyond.

• The equitable distribution of funding

A number of respondents commented on the distribution and concentration of financial support across Scotland. Comments were made in relation to the respondents’ perceptions of funding being biased towards the central belt and to particular, more established creative practitioners / originations or particular types of artform. There was a call for a fairer, and more place based distribution and investment of resources particularly at a community and grassroots level and across all regions in Scotland (also raised in question 17).

• Support for individual artists and creative practitioners

Some respondents would like to see more direct funding going to individuals. An idea mentioned by some was to fund creative practitioners directly through a scheme such as Universal Basic Income (for example, as piloted in Ireland).

At the crux of this issue was the stress felt by those who are on an unreliable income, with a lack of job security who therefore cannot sustain a living.

“It is absolutely important to support the Regularly Funded Organisations, since they are the framework of the sector, but it is also vital to have direct funding for individual artists that comes from the Scottish Government, and not only from the National Lottery” (Individual respondent)

• Improved recognition and support for cross portfolio working

Some respondents were keen that this review (of Creative Scotland and work of the wider culture sector support programme) is used to reflect on the support required to further amplify and advocate for the way culture contributes to a range of interdisciplinary outcomes, across, for example, economy, health and wellbeing, education, climate, international reputation, tourism and so on. Some respondents suggested that the perception that culture is ‘nice to have’ rather than something which is essential, must continue to be challenged to protect culture services from further funding cuts.

• Funding ecosystem

Respondents highlighted the interrelated nature of culture funding in Scotland across the public, private and third sector. It was suggested that it will be important during the review process (of Creative Scotland and the work of the wider culture sector support programme) to look across the whole system. Some respondents also suggested this should include the related elements of public consumption, access and engagement with culture, alongside the treatment and working conditions of those employed within the culture sector.