Councils across Scotland are looking at ways of getting more people involved in cultural activities.

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson today announced a programme of 13 community projects - delivered by 26 local authorities - that will explore practical ways of delivering cultural services to local people.

Some projects will be of interest to everyone in the local authority area - others will be of special interest to particular groups, like children, older people or minority ethnic communities. The projects will also inform cultural planning activity by local authorities.

These projects will help to shape the national guidance accompanying the draft Culture (Scotland) Bill, published for consultation last week.

Visiting one of the projects at the Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie Park, Paisley, Ms Ferguson met parents involved in the 'Bring Your Baby' project.

The project will work with pre-school children and their parents in areas of multiple deprivation, promoting access to a range of cultural activities such as crafts, story-telling, drama and visual arts.

Ms Ferguson said: "I am pleased that local authorities across Scotland have embraced the concept of planning for culture and delivering 'cultural entitlements'.

"The programme launched today will, I hope, encourage individuals and groups to become engaged in arts and culture.

"The point of calling this new style of service an 'entitlement' is to encourage more people to consider it as something for them, and to get involved."

Cllr Roy Glen, Renfrewshire Council, Cllr Jim Fletcher, East Renfrewshire and Cllr George White from Inverclyde Council said: "Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire Councils are pleased to be at the forefront of the development of cultural entitlements and partnerships.

"The three councils are proud of their strong record over the years in providing a range of cultural opportunities for all the communities they serve.

"We have witnessed the positive difference which cultural participation can make in the lives of individuals and communities and feel that our experience can only benefit the Executive's planning process.

"We look forward to working in partnership with the Executive in the future maintaining our leading role in developing Scotland's Culture."

Background:

The draft Culture Bill, published for consultation last week, improves the law about the local provision of cultural activities.

The 'Bring Your Baby' Project will be managed by Renfrewshire Council's Arts & Museums service in partnership with the cultural services of Inverclyde Council and East Renfrewshire Council.

A full list of projects throughout Scotland is available at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCulture/CulturalPolicy/workinggroup/PathfinderProjects