Our Response to the Scottish Government’s International Culture Strategy Survey

Museums Galleries Scotland recently responded to the Scottish Government’s International Culture Strategy Survey.  

The Scottish Government’s development of an International Culture Strategy aims to enhance and support international activity conducted by the culture sector and provide greater strategic coherence to how that activity is supported. It focuses on the wider partnerships and economic and social impacts of this work in building Scotland’s international reputation and relationships. 

This survey was aimed at cultural organisations, creative industries companies, and individual practitioners who work internationally, and those with aspirations to do so.  

On behalf of our museums and galleries sector, in our response we have: 

• Highlighted how our 450 museums and galleries, through the amazing diversity of collections they hold, conduct day to day work that attracts and speaks to international audiences, by telling stories of Scotland’s connections to the world. 
• Provided examples of some key international work and research conducted by our organisations, particularly on intangible cultural heritage, decolonisation work, and enabling repatriation and restitution efforts that demonstrate distinctive leadership in these areas, establishing models of best practice.  
• Demonstrated how the sector not only makes a vital contribution to Scotland’s tourism industry but delivers on a wide range of national outcomes in education, climate action, diversity and inclusion through their international activity. 
• Outlined how museums and galleries can take a leading role in demonstrating models of best practice in several areas. For example, in accessing underrepresented groups and establishing relationships with communities of origin through inclusive programming, widening access and participation to a diverse range of audiences using a values-based approach, identifying and developing new, meaningful and trusting international partnerships, enabling and supporting Scotland’s cultural diplomacy and growing its reputation as a ‘good global citizen’.
• Welcomed the Scottish Government’s further support and commitment to taking forwards the recommendations of the Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums Steering Group.
• Called attention to some of the barriers to museums and galleries conducting international activity and how targeted support can greatly amplify key areas of work. 
• Requested further consideration of mechanisms that would ensure long-term equitable and sustainable international relationships.