South Scotland Green MSP Laura Moodie has called for the work behind the region’s UK Town of Culture 2028 applications to be turned into a lasting cultural network.
The inaugural competition attracted almost 400 applications. Communities developed ideas about how culture could tell their stories and create a lasting social and economic legacy.
Although no town in South Scotland reached the shortlist, the bidding process brought cultural organisations, businesses and community groups together to develop new ideas and partnerships.
Laura is urging the Scottish Government to ensure that this work is not lost and to explore the creation of a regional culture network or partnership involving communities, cultural organisations and local authorities.
She raised the proposal with Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan in the Scottish Parliament, who confirmed that more than £1 million is being invested over 18 months through Creative Scotland’s Culture Collective programme in five organisations across South Scotland: Alchemy Film & Arts (Hawick), OutPost Arts (Dumfries), Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre (Ayr), Little Art Hub (Galashiels) and Narture CIC (Ayr).
She also confirmed that the Scottish Government is considering proposals for a new network of support for community culture and will respond in due course.
Laura first committed to exploring support for a regional culture network during the summer, following conversations about how the momentum created by the bids could be retained and developed.
Laura said: “People across South Scotland put real time, imagination and energy into these bids. Missing the shortlist should not mean that all their work is allowed to disappear.
“The funding confirmed for five cultural organisations in the region is very welcome, but we should also build on the new ideas and relationships created through the process.
“A regional culture network could connect organisations and help our communities tell their own stories.
“I will keep pressing the Scottish Government and regional partners to turn this year’s momentum into a lasting cultural legacy for South Scotland.”