Debate over national funding of museums continues

It is “unfair” that Edinburgh receives more funding for culture than Glasgow, a councillor has claimed.

Glasgow Life, the charity responsible for running and maintaining many of the city’s historic and cultural assets, are set to lobby the Scottish Government for more funding.

And a Glasgow Life officer said they was a “staggering” difference in the level of funding for the two cities, adding that Glasgow missed out because venues such as the Kelvingrove Museum were not seen as “national” assets.

The issue was discussed again at Wednesday’s operations and scrutiny committee, by depute council leader Ricky Bell, who argued that it was unfair that the capital continues to receive more funding support compared to Glasgow.

It comes after Elder Park Library and Community Hub benefited from a £4 million restoration and reopened to the public last June.

Glasgow Life has many programmes that promote inclusion, happiness and health as well as supporting the city’s visitor economy but over the years concerns have been raised that Glasgow receives no national funding for its museums unlike Edinburgh.

Councillor Ricky Bell said: “I would like to thank Glasgow Life for the stunning Elder Park Library.

“I am sure that has set the benchmark for which all libraries will now be measured. It is a beautiful asset.

“I wondered if you would agree with me that it is extremely unfair that a city like Glasgow, which has so many cultural assets, does not receive any additional government funding unlike our capital city who does.”

The Glasgow Life officer advised members that Glasgow’s cultural assets were not seen as national assets which is why they are not supported by the Scottish Government.

They said: “I couldn’t agree more. Both Bailie Christie and myself have continued and continue to make representation to the Scottish Government in relation to funding for Glasgow’s outstanding cultural assets and infrastructure but also our outstanding festivals and events.

“The staggering difference of what is invested in Edinburgh and what is invested in Glasgow never ceases to amaze me.

“All I can say is that we continue with that pressure and lobby the Scottish Government. Glasgow’s cultural assets are Scotland’s cultural assets and are part of the wider ecology and should be celebrated and invested in.

“I have been advised that because Glasgow’s assets are not seen as national assets they don’t fall into the category of being able to be supported by the Scottish Government however we continue to lobby.”