2003-07-07

THE Scottish public is to be asked for its views on arts and culture in a series of forums.

The consultation by the Scottish Arts Council could also see people being asked to leave their opinions in video diary booths.

Graham Berry, the director of the SAC, which distributes around £60m in funding a year, is to launch the forums as another stage in his reorganisation of the quango, which is on the verge of a major review of its form and function by the executive and Frank McAveety, the new arts minister.

Mr Berry said the forums would inform the SAC what the general public wants from the arts, what its interests and concerns are - as well as letting the public know the SAC is interested in its views....