Culture Counts is Scotland’s network of arts, heritage, and creative industries organisations. They work to protect and develop the culture sector for the common good.
Culture Counts has started off 2026 in full force as they prepare for the Scottish Parliament elections on 7 May. They started off the month by responding to the 2026-27 Scottish Government budget, where they welcomed the £24.1m uplift to total planned expenditure on Culture, while outlining the changes needed to secure the sector’s long-term future.
It is in this context that Culture Counts continues its campaign for A Culture Act for Scotland this year. In the leadup to elections, they have been speaking with representatives across political parties and engaging with sector leaders. They marked Burns’ Night by publishing an open letter, endorsed by more than 70 of Scotland’s cultural icons and leaders, calling for a Culture Act.
To help strengthen our unified voice, they have three actions you can take this month that are focused on different ways you can support the #CultureAct2026 campaign.
Three actions to take this month:
1. Share the Open Letter that they have published on A Culture Act for Scotland on your socials to raise awareness and encourage political parties to support and commit to a #CultureAct2026. You can amplify our calls easily by sharing posts from Culture Counts LinkedIn account.
2. Write to your MSP(s) or local candidates asking them to commit to A Culture Act for Scotland. You can find a ready-to-send template letter in their Support Toolkit.
3. Add your voice to their campaign by telling them why you would like to see A Culture Act for Scotland, contributing to their page Voices of A Culture Act for Scotland by emailing Joseph, our Director of Policy and Public Affairs at joseph@culturecounts.scot.
