Recognition and Support for Outdoor Arts, Circus and Spectacle in Scotland

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Beyond the Stage: Understanding the Benefits of Outdoor Arts, Circus and Spectacle in Scotland, commissioned by Articulation; recognises the report’s evidence of the significant cultural, social and economic contribution made by outdoor arts, circus and spectacle to communities across Scotland, including their uniquely accessible, participatory and place-based nature; notes that the report highlights the role of these artforms in widening cultural engagement, strengthening community cohesion, supporting health and wellbeing, contributing to placemaking and enhancing Scotland’s international cultural reputation; further notes the structural and systemic barriers identified in the report, including limited artform recognition, inconsistent funding pathways, gaps in infrastructure, training and safe working spaces, and a lack of visibility within national cultural policy; acknowledges the report’s call for outdoor arts, circus and spectacle to be formally recognised as distinct artforms and as part of Scotland’s intangible cultural heritage; welcomes the recommendation for the development of a dedicated national strategy for outdoor arts, circus and spectacle, and calls on the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, local authorities and other relevant bodies to work collaboratively with the sector to ensure appropriate recognition, sustainable funding, safe infrastructure and strategic support, so that these artforms can flourish and continue to benefit communities across Scotland.