The Scottish Artist Union's evidence to the Commission on Scottish Devolution
has been
quoted three times in their initial findings.

<i>Vol2 p. 51- "Scotland, and the visual arts in Scotland, would benefit from a
devolved
agency for international cultural relations. The current arrangements, organised
through
the British Council in London, do not serve the needs of a small nation" – and
the
collaboration between Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden offers a better model.
What
is needed is a Scottish arts body able to "fund Scottish artists with Scottish
money",
promote Scotland as a place for artists to live and work, promote Scottish
culture globally
and undertake cultural exchange with other nations.

Vol2 p.59- Worth considering a Scottish National Lottery, or the subdivision of
the
existing lottery to enable Scottish revenue to be channelled back into Scottish
good
causes. This could "create a new funding stream for arts projects in Scotland",
increase
lottery participation and combat the perception of English subsidy.

Vol2 p.79- Scotland should have the ability to offer tax-breaks or VAT-exemption
for
artists to alleviate the tax burden on their relatively modest incomes, or
provide pension
assistance, and so "galvanise Scotland's cultural powerhouse".</i>

It remains to be seen whether the final report will contain recommendations that
would
actually make such measures possible. However we will endeavour to give further
evidence
during the second round of consultation and state the case for Scotland's
artists even
more firmly.

The report can be read in full at:
http://www.commissiononscottishdevolution.org.uk/papers.php