A draft Culture (Scotland) Bill was published on 14 December 2006, inviting the views of the public on how best to provide a legislative footing for plans to nurture the country's best creative and cultural talent.

It follows a statement made to Parliament in January when Culture Minster Patricia Ferguson set out the Executive's vision for the strategic direction of future cultural policy, backed by an extra £20 million per year from April 2007.
The main proposals shaping today's draft Bill include:

. cultural entitlements that local authorities will provide, having obtained the views of local people on activities they want to access
. a new cultural development body to be called Creative Scotland
. direct government funding of the main national performing companies
. a new criminal offence in Scotland on dealing in tainted cultural objects. For instance, items of foreign monuments that have been stolen and brought here for sale

Comments on the draft Culture Bill should be submitted by March 30, 2007.

Ms Ferguson said: "The First Minister's St Andrews Day speech in 2003 underlined the Executive's ambitions for Scotland's cultural life emphasising access and excellence.

"The Culture Bill will provide a legal framework that will help nurture cultural talent and promote excellence in our national cultural life.

"It will help secure the widest possible participation in cultural life, bringing real benefits to communities and individuals, and unleashing their creative potential."

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Arts and Leisure spokesperson Councillor Graham Garvie said:
"Local government, at the forefront of cultural provision in Scotland, has been committed to the cultural review from the outset.

"COSLA will continue to work closely with the Scottish Executive and Creative Scotland to ensure that the legislation, together with the necessary infrastructure and the extra resources which will be required, supports a renaissance in cultural participation and appreciation amongst the people of Scotland.

"It will, I hope, lead to a flowering of latent talents and skills in all communities and across the full cultural spectrum."
Dr Richard Holloway, chair designate of the joint board of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, said:
"I welcome the draft Bill. It includes proposals to establish our new cultural development body, Creative Scotland.
"This is important for the arts and culture in Scotland. Creative Scotland has the potential to inspire and empower a new generation of artists and creative Scots to spread the influence of the arts throughout Scotland, energising and transforming our nation for the better.

"That's why it is really important for all those who are passionate about Scotland's arts and wider culture to contribute to this consultation on the draft Bill."

The Draft Culture Bill and consultation document can be accessed at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/14095224/0