Lack of accountability
Once again there is yet another debate arising about Shetland Arts, this time focussing on its current price rises.
Whatever is right or wrong about this matter, what I find extraordinary about Shetland Arts is the lack of accountability displayed time and time again by the organisation.
Other bodies with similar purposes are regularly quizzed by the local media on all matters. One can see evidence for this, for instance, in organisations like the Pier Arts Centre and St Magnus Festival in Orkney where the directors in charge have recently been questioned by BBC Radio Orkney. (When were those occupying a similar role in Shetland last interviewed by BBC radio here?)
One can witness a similar form of accountability in Inverness where the chief executive has been held accountable by a range of outlets, including the likes of the Press & Journal and Inverness Courier.
One could go farther. There are other areas – such as Stornoway – where the local Arts centre does not limit its AGM in terms of either the time it occupies or indeed its subject matter. At an open public meeting, not constrained by being purely online, cultural as well as financial matters are also discussed and debated with the chair and chief executive responding to a wide range of questions.
Isn’t it about time that the question was asked about why the approach of Shetland Arts is so distinctive and different from similar bodies in other areas? Isn’t the entire purpose of the arts to encourage freedom of expression for individuals and communities?
That even includes responding in a considered and thoughtful way to a letter like this!
Donald S Murray
Quarff
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