A seminar to be held tomorrow (Tuesday 1 March 2005) by the Centre for Cultural Policy Research at the University of Glasgow, will debate the contemporary role of the artist and explore the value society places on artists and other workers in the creative industries.

Presentations will be given by leading cultural figures: Alexia Holt (Director, Cove Park), Stewart Laing (Director and Designer), and Seona Reid (Director, Glasgow School of Art). Brief biographies below.

The Scottish Executive argues that: 'the creativity of Scots - from the classroom to the board room - is the edge we need in a competitive world' - going on to charge the cultural sector to be 'the national dynamo of the creative impulse that can serve (arts, sciences, commerce or industry)'.

Artists can and do make contributions in these areas. But is this the role that artists want and is it the role they are best equipped for? Are artists being deployed to act as social workers or educators by any other name?

Being an artist and using art is not just about improving skills, raising standards, contributing to the fight against exclusion or even adding to the knowledge economy. Being an artist is also about being out of step with the vision of culture articulated by government. Can a society make policy that truly values the counter-cultural role of the artist?

In his agenda setting St Andrew's Day Address in 2003, the First Minister argued that 'Culture should be for the many not the few. And the few must not be the only ones to experience or create the most brilliant productions or the most outstanding works of art.'

But, if we are all creative, what is the place of the creative elite? Where, in the First Minister's vision, is the charge to the artist and, more specifically, the charge that the artist has responsibilities for excellence and innovation and art form development?

In contemporary cultural policy and practice, is the contribution of artists valued more in relation to the economic well being and competitive future of Scotland or for the symbolic meanings, aesthetic and cultural influence of their work?

Above all, how should artists make their voices heard and influence such policies?

Presentations will be lead by the following:

Alexia Holt on 'A context to creativity'. Alexia was appointed Director of Cove Park in January 2004. Prior to this appointment, she was Curator and Visual Arts Programmer at Tramway, Glasgow. A graduate of Glasgow University's History of Art Department.

Professor Seona Reid will discuss 'Creative education'. Professor Reid took up the post of Director of Glasgow School of Art in September 1999. Prior to that she was Director of the Scottish Arts Council for 9 years; Assistant Director (Strategy and Regional Development) of Greater London Arts; Director of Shape, the pioneering arts and disability organisation; Head of Press and Publicity for Ballet Rambert and for Northern Dance Theatre; Business Manager of Lincoln Theatre Royal and a freelance arts consultant working with the Arts Council of Great Britain and the London Contemporary Dance Trust.

Stewart Laing on 'Working opposite ends of the artistic market place'. Stewart trained in theatre design at Central School of Art and Design in London and has worked extensively as a theatre designer throughout the UK, and in the USA.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more details contact Mike Findlay the University Press Officer on 0141 330-3535 or email: m.findlay@admin.gla.ac.uk.

There is no charge for the seminar, however, places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. To reserve your place, please complete the online booking form at the: Cultural Policy Research website or contact Nicola Sneddon on 0141 330 3806 or email n.sneddon@arts.gla.ac.uk..

The Centre for Cultural Policy Research would like to that the Scottish Arts Council and the Faculty of Arts, University of Glasgow, for their support of the 2004-05 seminar series.

Centre for Cultural Policy Research http://www.culturalpolicy.arts.gla.ac.uk

First published: 28 February 2005