Creative Scotland under scrutiny, questioning curriculum review responses + mayors welcome tourist tax

[Arts Professional]

News, features and opinion from Arts Professional View online  NEWS & FEATURES News | Creative Scotland exhibiting ‘gaps in provision’, review finds Creative Scotland’s governance is “difficult to navigate and lacks transparency”, and must make improvements if it is to fully deliver its remit as a funder, advocate, influencer and developer of… Opinion | Does the curriculum review allow teachers to step off the policy pendulum? The recently published curriculum review has elicited a range of reactions and reflections. But primary school teacher and education consultant Joe Hallgarten thinks the response from the culture sector has been overly positive. News | Funding body review ‘names truths the sector has long known’, leaders claim Scotland’s cultural and creative heavyweights have responded to an independent review of the nation’s sector funding body, which suggests it must more “clearly articulate its remit” and “focus on transparency”.… News | Tourist tax will support ‘iconic events’ and ‘world-class culture’, mayors pledge A levy on overnight stays could help mayors invest in entertainment, grassroots cultural venues and the tourist experience, the government has said. In a decision announced ahead of the Autumn… Feature | Together We Act: The power of collective action The day-to-day working reality of arts marketers has never been so challenging. Cath Hume of the Arts Marketing Association thinks now is the moment to lean into collaboration rather than retreat into silos. News | Manchester to gain dedicated grassroots venues network Manchester will “lead the way” on supporting grassroots venues, city leaders have promised, following the release of a report finding smaller-scale music hotspots are facing a “perfect storm” of financial… News | West End’s local audiences staying put this Christmas, research finds Younger audiences are eyeing up a show in London’s theatre district this festive season, according to findings from digital marketing agency Situation UK. More than 90 percent of respondents aged… Feature | Is financial insecurity the biggest threat to the performing arts? There is an exodus of freelance theatre professionals - particularly in areas like stage management and wardrobe. To address this, Actors' Trust has expanded its support service, as CEO Alison Wyman explains. News | Scottish festival revamps after year spent rethinking model A remodelled festival will “keep helping people connect through the darkest parts of the year” two years after the demise of Scotland’s Winter Festivals Fund. Graham Main, executive producer of… Read more...  CHANGING FACES Coastal arts leader exits charity after more than a decade in role Arts charity Creative Folkestone is to say goodbye to its chief executive of 14 years.… Youth theatre charity appoints ambassadors as it unveils membership scheme Intermission Youth, a charity that aims to transform the lives of young people through drama,… Norwich Theatre pursues further growth with board appointments Four trustees are to join Norwich Theatre, as the organisation announces it is “stronger than… Royal Opera House’s former head of ticketing to oversee trio of ‘wonderful’ theatres NEIL JONES is to begin as venue director for Eastbourne Theatres on 1 December, in… More changing faces...  NEWS IN BRIEF Touring network’s expansion to ensure ‘dance access for all’ A membership organisation that aims to bring high-quality international dance to audiences across the UK and Ireland through a touring network of theatres has expanded… National Lottery funding to spur children’s ‘creative journeys’ Scotland’s children and young people are among the beneficiaries of a £1.2 million injection into the nation’s creative landscape. Projects ranging from the delivery of… Survey to investigate challenges facing ‘frontline’ arts marketers A survey aimed at building a comprehensive picture of the financial, political, and ethical concerns currently facing arts and culture marketers has been launched by… Charity offers grants up to £4k to improve disabled access to exhibitions A grant to support improved access to exhibitions could “accelerate progress” across the sector, its proponents say. The Exhibitions Group, a charity founded in 1985… Cultural objects to benefit from easier transfer under law change Rules that make it easier for museums and galleries to return cultural objects to their countries and communities or origin are to take effect on… Read more... TOP JOBS Head of Operations Donmar Warehouse London £42,000 Closing: 01 December 2025 This is a critical role working in collaboration with all Donmar departments to ensure the smooth, safe and efficient running of all processes. Trustee Belgrade Theatre Coventry Coventry   Closing: 02 December 2025 We're looking for a Trustee who shares our passion for the arts and its ability to change lives for the better. Chief Executive London Music Fund London £70,000 Closing: 01 December 2025 The London Music Fund is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the next stage of its growth and impact. Director Cast Doncaster, South Yorkshire £65,500 Closing: 01 December 2025 This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to take on one of South Yorkshire's premier cultural institutions. More jobs... EVENTS & LEARNING Safeguarding Courses Artswork Professional Development Online Tailored safeguarding training for the creative, cultural & heritage sectors: interactive, sector-specific learning. Project Management Courses Artswork Professional Development Online Project management for creative, cultural & heritage sectors - interactive courses on a range of practical topics. Supporting People, Safety & Wellbeing Courses Artswork Professional Development Online Interactive courses on wellbeing, trauma, behaviour, risk and safety, and supporting young people tailored for creative & cultural settings. eLearning (Self-Guided Courses) Artswork Professional Development Online Learn safeguarding, inclusion, survey design & more anytime, anywhere with our flexible self-guided eLearning courses. Digital Culture Talks The Space Online and Leicester December 3, 2025 - December 4, 2025 Digital Culture Talks brings together artists, cultural leaders and technologists to explore how creativity can thrive in both physical and digital spaces. Digital marketing trends for 2026 HdK Online December 16, 2025 Join the full HdK team for our annual digital marketing trend prediction webinar. Professional Training for Music Leaders & Facilitators: Skills Lab Academy Spitalfields Music London February 5, 2026 - March 26, 2026 At this 3-day practical training course musicians will learn a range of new techniques for facilitation, share experiences, and explore new ideas in a non-judgemental environment. Family Arts Conference 2026: Changemakers & Storytellers Family Arts Campaign North East February 12, 2026 The UK’s largest family arts and culture conference returns on Thursday 12th February 2026 at Northern Stage, Newcastle. Health & Safety in the Creative, Cultural & Heritage Sectors Artswork Professional Development – November 26, 2025 – Online A practical half-day course to help you manage risks and ensure safety in creative and cultural workplaces. Measuring Impact & Evaluation in the Creative, Cultural & Heritage Sectors Artswork Professional Development – December 3, 2025 – Online A comprehensive full-day course for practitioners seeking a practical understanding of evaluation in the arts. Evening Courses: Digital Marketing Strategies / Introduction to Arts Evaluation and more Guildhall School of Music & Drama – January 20, 2026 - February 25, 2026 – Online Boost your creative career with evening courses in arts evaluation, event production and management & digital marketing. National Conference 2026: Change On Our Streets OutdoorArtsUK – February 3, 2026 - February 4, 2026 – East The OutdoorArtsUK National Conference: Change On Our Streets is coming to Cambridge in February 2026. More events... FROM THE ARCHIVE This time last year... November 28, 2024 DCMS public bodies ‘may face financial sustainability issues’ Some of the public bodies sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) could struggle to continue to operate due to worsening finances, the government department has warned.… This week five years ago... November 24, 2020 Covid winter plan: indoor performance allowed in England’s lower tiers A new, tougher system of local restrictions will allow theatres and other venues to reopen in theory. But the sector remains on a knife edge. Way back when... November 25, 2015 Fears of arts cuts dispelled in Spending Review Arts funding will be protected from cuts as Chancellor George Osborne declares culture one of the “best investments we can make”. Unsubscribe / mailing preferences   |   View online Arts Professional Media Ltd Milton Hall, Ely Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6WZ Copyright Arts Professional Media Ltd. 2025, all rights reserved