Background
The Cultural Coordinators scheme was first introduced by the Scottish Executive in their National Cultural Strategy document "Creating our Future, Minding our Past" (2000). Launched in May 2002, the scheme is administered by the Scottish Arts Council. The intention of the scheme is to employ Coordinators to make the link between primary/secondary schools and all areas of the cultural and heritage sector. Each local authority has been given the opportunity to bid for up to 8 posts, although the average is lower, depending on population size. The total number of Coordinators, many of whom are part-time, is 81 across Scotland. Coordinators' remits have been interpreted in different ways according to individual local authority priorities and internal structures. Originally a 2 year pilot project, the scheme has since been extended to 2007.
SMC�s response
An SMC working group (including SMC staff, museum educators and a Cultural Coordinator) was established to develop appropriate information and practical resources for Cultural Coordinators. The purpose of such resources is to encourage schools to work more closely with museums and the heritage sector, developing young people�s creativity across and beyond the curriculum.
An advisory publication was produced to support the Cultural Coordinators training events run by SMC. Please click on the following link to download the publication Lasting Impressions (pdf).
SMC is working with the Heritage Education Officers Group (HEOG), a group of education professionals from Scotland�s national heritage organisations, who contributed to both the training and publication.
SMC�s Small Grants Programme is now available to Cultural Coordinators and Creative Links Officers, providing funding to support innovative projects for learners, which utilise the learning resources available in museums. Applications must be developed with an SMC member museum or museums service that is fully Registered/ Accredited. Please click on the link for more information:
For more information about Cultural Coordinators, please contact Helena Gillis, Learning and Access Manager
T: 0131 550 4132
El: [email protected]
