AHRC Creative Communities Scotland Policy Sprint

The AHRC Creative Communities programme Scotland Policy Sprint was hosted by the Scottish Parliament with support from Foysol Choudhury MSP in January 2025. The Sprint mobilised co-creation methods and creative facilitation to encourage cross-sector discussion, identify opportunities and tackle challenges using culture as a lever to unlock the potential of national devolution.

The AHRC Creative Communities team shared policy proposals and recommendations from the Scotland Policy Lab. The Sprint considered the specific Scottish policy contexts including the aim to build cross-nation perspectives, finding greater opportunities through devolution and creating new structures to better connect resource at local and regional levels.

Photograph of Helen Apsey holding the policy provocation paper, Foysol Choudhury MSP and Graeme Dey MSP, standing in front of posters and a display of policy papers and information

The AHRC Creative Communities Policy Sprint was sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP. Foysol is a Scottish Labour politician who has been Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothian region since May 2021. He is Chairman of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council.

Honoured to have hosted @AHRCPress #CreativeCommunities Scotland Policy Lab—showcasing how culture, research & development enhance health & wellbeing.

Thanks to Policy Lead Helen Apsey & all involved for their innovation. 👏

Let’s use creativity to build healthier communities! pic.twitter.com/jhgDIRHNqi
— Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP (@FoysolChoudhury) January 17, 2025

Findings from this event will inform policy recommendations in the Scotland Devolution Policy Provocation Paper.

More information about the programme is available across our website.