In the run up to the Scottish parliamentary elections on 1 May, the Centre for Cultural Policy Research at the University of Glasgow has invited each of the political parties to participate in a Question Time on their plans for culture in the second Scottish Parliament.

Christine Hamilton, Director of the Centre, said, ' I think it is significant that all political parties have chosen to be represented at today's event which effectively is kicking off the election campaign. It clearly indicates that cultural policy is on the political agenda. By hosting today's event, I very much hope that we can stimulate debate amongst those involved in the sector ﾖ policy makers, practitioners and academics.'

Dr Adrienne Scullion, Academic Director of the Centre, will be chairing the event and directing questions to Gavin Brown (Conservative and Unionist Party), Robert Brown (Liberal Democrats), Angus Calder (Scottish Socialist Party), Robin Harper (Green Party), Michael Russell (Scottish National Party) and Mike Watson (Labour Party). Questions will cover the broad spectrum of cultural policy issues including the position of culture in public policy, funding allocation, the structure of the sector, cultural industries and cultural heritage.

Christine added, 'Given the calibre of our panel and the diversity and quality of questions, I am anticipating some lively debate and interesting viewpoints.'

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

You are invited to attend the Centre for Cultural Policy Research Question Time on Monday 31 March 10 - 12.30pm at The James Arnott Theatre, Gilmorehill Centre, University Avenue (Gibson Street end)

Please advise the Press Office on 0141 330 3535 / 3683 or Nicola Sneddon at the Centre on 0141 330 3806

The Centre for Cultural Policy Research

Launched in October 2001, with a major three-year grant from the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, the Centre for Cultural Policy Research at the University of Glasgow is a unique research capability in cultural policy in Scotland. By developing high quality analytical, theoretical and empirical research it aims to provide a resource to the government and its agencies, and to the wider cultural sector. For more details, Centre for Cultural Policy Research

First published: 28 March 2003