Scotland tackles generation gap

An annual month-long festival of the arts for, by, with and about older people is being planned as part of Creative Scotland’s drive to encourage those who have not engaged with the arts to connect more with cultural events and activities. The new festival, due to be launched in October 2012, will be based loosely on the Welsh Gwanwyn and Irish Bealtaine festivals and will aim specifically to engage older members of society. The 2008 ‘Taking Part’ study on attendance and participation in the arts found that older people are less likely than many other groups to be involved in the arts. Following a celebration of arts and ageing held earlier this year in Perth Concert Hall, Creative Scotland and Age Scotland, in partnership with The Baring Foundation, are joining forces to plan the event. It is envisaged that the festival venues will change from year to year, with the main events taking place at different locations around Scotland. Maggie Maxwell, Development Officer for Creative Scotland, said: “Like many countries, Scotland has an ageing population, and although this festival will principally address ageing and the arts, we are keen to stress it is an inter-generational event.”