VAGA in Scotland

VAGA Scotland, as a nationally focused network with its own agenda evolved in response to devolution in 2003.  VAGA Scotland’s first task was to commission the Centre for Cultural Policy Research to undertake research on the condition and situation of the gallery sector in Scotland. This research, published in 2004, and launched at a meeting at Edinburgh College of Art, concluded that galleries in Scotland are rich in innovation and education provision, but poorly supported and subject to fragmented policy.  VAGA  Scotland's impact since the appointment of Ben Spencer  as Policy and Development Officer in 2004 has been significant, working in partnership across institutions and structures to co-ordinate and advocate on behalf of the visual arts sector, to lead rather than follow change. 

VAGA adopts a vision for Scotland's visual arts sector as:

• embracing opportunities for everyone to enjoy, engage with and participate in the visual arts;

• recognising the intrinsic and transformative power of art

• encouraging links and partnerships between local, regional, national and international agencies to deliver a vibrant, contemporary visual arts sector in Scotland

• supporting creative practitioners to lead on producing contemporary visual culture

• allowing Scotland’s visual arts sector to flourish independently with ample resources

 

VAGA Scotland was an active member of the arts sector meetings to inform and comment on the Cultural Commission and drew together detailed responses from the membership. VAGA Scotland has since continued to respond and comment on policy, taking part in the debate on the Executive’s Scotland’s Culture statement, the draft Culture (Scotland) Bill and Creative Scotland Bill.  

VAGA Scotland is a lead member of the Cultural Alliance, a cross-artform grouping established to work with the Scottish Government to bring forward the development of Creative Scotland.