The multi-year funding commitment from Creative Scotland comes following the organisation’s successful Forum25, exploring AI’s role in Scotland’s culture sector

Culture & Business Scotland has been awarded Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland to support its core programmes and sector development work from 2026 to 2029. The investment will enable C&BS to continue delivering shared value between the business community and Scotland’s culture sector by championing entrepreneurial leadership, cultural philanthropy and collaborative sponsorships.

On Wednesday, C&BS brought together delegates from across Scotland’s culture organisations, creative industries and business community for Forum25: Where Cultural Ambition Meets Business Innovation – Powered by AI, held at the National Museum of Scotland. The event explored the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in creative practice, organisational strategy, fundraising, marketing, and the wider cultural economy.

The day opened with a keynote address from Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. His remarks recognised both the opportunities and responsibilities presented by AI and emphasised the importance of continued partnership between culture and business in navigating technological change.

The programme featured three panel sessions exploring: Responsible AI in the Creative Industries; Smart Use of AI in Fundraising and Marketing; and AI-Driven Growth for the Cultural Economy. Contributors from Culture for Climate Scotland, the Scottish Government, the University of Edinburgh, Creative Scotland, SCVO, Edinburgh International Festival, The Goldie Collective, Inner Ear, the Creative Entrepreneurs Club, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation and the Trimontium Trust shared insight, tools and real-world examples of AI already reshaping work across the sectors. Delegates also heard updates from C&BS and Forum event partner, Azets.

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chair of Culture & Business Scotland, said:

“Forum25 demonstrated the curiosity and ambition that continue to drive Scotland’s culture sector forward. The conversations around AI highlight just how important it is that organisations have the support, skills and confidence to explore new ways of working. Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding strengthens our ability to provide long-term sector support, helping culture organisations across Scotland to innovate, collaborate and connect meaningfully with the business community.”

David Nelson, Executive Director of Culture & Business Scotland, said:

“This year’s Forum highlighted the scale of opportunity and challenges AI presents. It also underlined the need for practical support and long-term development work, which Multi-Year Funding enables us to continue delivering. Together, the Forum and Creative Scotland’s investment mark an important moment for Culture & Business Scotland, as we move into a new chapter for the organisation and further develop our programme and services for culture and business organisations.”

C&BS will share further details on its 2026-2029 plans early next year.

From left to right – John Cumming (C&BS Board Member), Kirsty Rogers (C&BS Board Member), Angus Robertson MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture), Laura Irvine (C&BS Forum Co-Host), David Nelson (C&BS Executive Director)