The Scottish Government has published its Draft Budget for 2026–27, and it includes a welcome increase in investment for arts and culture across Scotland.
The overall culture budget is set to rise by 8 percent, or around 6 percent after inflation, bringing total funding to £381 million. This continued uplift follows commitments made in 2023 to strengthen support for the cultural sector, following sustained advocacy from artists, organisations, and groups including the Campaign for the Arts.
What’s included in the increase
Key elements of the draft budget include:
- An additional £11 million for Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding programme
- £11 million towards a new National Galleries of Scotland complex in Granton, Edinburgh, delivered by the National Galleries of Scotland
- Continued support for festivals, theatres, cinemas, museums, and libraries across the country
These commitments recognise the value of culture at a time when many households are facing financial pressure, and reinforce the role of the arts in wellbeing, community connection, and shared experience.
Ongoing concerns
While the overall picture is encouraging, there are still areas of concern within the draft budget:
- Funding for the five National Performing Companies is being held at the same level, resulting in a real-terms cut
- Scottish Government funding for Historic Environment Scotland and Architecture and Design Scotland is set to reduce
- Continued pressure on Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals raises concerns for freelance artists and independent practitioners
Why this matters
Despite these challenges, the increased investment sends a strong signal of support for Scotland’s cultural life. It demonstrates that sustained advocacy works, and that collective voices across the sector can influence national decision-making.
We welcome this progress and will continue to monitor developments as the Budget progresses through Parliament, sharing updates that are relevant to creative practitioners and organisations across Dumfries and Galloway.
You can read the full analysis from the Campaign for the Arts on their website