The Scottish Arts Council was at Westminster yesterday (Wednesday 30 April) as part of a UK arts councils Art in Parliament day.

The day was presented by the four arts councils of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales and brought arts in to the heart of the Parliament.

Scottish MPs took time out after Prime Ministers questions to try their hand at the indigenous craft of basket weaving with artist and basket maker Lizzie Farey at an event organised by the Scottish Arts Council and hosted by MP Rosemary McKenna.

A joint reception was also held in the Members Dining Room giving MPs and Peers the opportunity to meet with senior representatives from all four arts councils.

The day concluded with a series of spectacular dance performances from each of the nations in the atrium of Portcullis House. Scotland was represented by Dundee-based Scottish Dance Theatre which presented an extract from a duet entitled In the Middle of the Moment performed by dancers Michal Zahora and Ruth Janssen, choreographed by Uri Ivgi and Johan Greben.

Commenting on the arts in parliament day Scottish Arts Council Deputy Chief Executive Morag Arnot said: ‘We already have a strong relationship with the government in Scotland and work closely with them on a regular basis, the Art in Parliament day at Westminster has given us the opportunity to meet with Scottish MPs and also work closely with the arts councils from the other parts of the UK. Most importantly this day has been an opportunity to communicate to MPs the importance of the arts to our culture, well being and economy.’