Dundee research highlights how creative spaces could help transform communities across Scotland
New research led from Dundee has highlighted the important role that creative spaces could play in strengthening communities, supporting local businesses and shaping Scotland’s economic future.
The study, developed through the University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) in partnership with Creative Dundee, explores how affordable and accessible creative spaces can contribute to local economic growth and community development.
Eilish Victoria, one of the leads of the research project, out of DJCAD in partnership with Creative Dundee, explains how her project is the only one from Scotland to be included in a large research study based in the UK that considers how culture and local decision-making benefit communities.
This research is part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council's Creative Communities programme.
It aims to find how communities can play a more active role in determining decisions about the areas where they live and work, and examine the long-term social and economic benefits of cultural activities.
Dundee at the centre of UK research
The other arm of this research, titled Creative Space as a Catalyst for Community Wealth Building, aims to analyze Scotland from a macro level and examine the role creative spaces can play in changing communities.
The researchers found that the creative sector plays an important role in the local economy and community.
Unfortunately, creative organizations struggle to sustain activities due to a lack of space and affordability.
From this, the study suggests that there is a need to open and provide more affordable workspace to the creative sector.
The research stemmed from a series of discussions with organizations such as Dundee City Council, Abertay University, Leisure & Culture Dundee, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, as well as cultural organizations and creative practitioners.
National organizations, such as Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government, also took part in the discussions.
Creating opportunities for Scotland's creative communities
The research has yielded recommendations for local authorities, government agencies, cultural organizations and funding agencies.
These recommendations include opening up publicly funded and owned buildings, acknowledging and valuing the role of creative spaces and arts and cultural activities, and enhancing partnerships between cultural and creative organizations and other sectors.
Researchers are confident that by utilizing the above recommendations, locally based creative professionals will have improved and more sustainable opportunities.
Additionally, it is anticipated that these recommendations would help keep the employment and economic benefits to the local communities.
The study supports the objectives of Scotland's Community Wealth Building, whereby more local people would benefit directly from the local economy.
Though the study was carried out in Dundee, it is believed that the recommendations may have a positive influence on supporting creative infrastructure outside Dundee.
On Tuesday 10 November, findings from the study will be presented and discussed by a local and national partnership forum.
The study further establishes the focus and activity of the city's creative sectors in supporting research in arts, culture and creativity in Scotland.
