Shaping St Andrews’ Cultural Identity: Policy Recommendations on Student Arts Initiatives
May 2025
Authors: Nathaniel Tanenbaum (Head Researcher), Chenoa Beedie, Tabitha Randazzo, Isabella Karmis, Valentina Nucci
Editor: Hollis May Editor-In-Chief: Cadence Mak Deputy Editor: Grace Risucci
Executive Summary
This paper discusses the impact of student-led artistic initiatives on the cultural identity of St Andrews. Through qualitative methods, the research analyses the role of arts societies in fostering inclusion, community, and representation within an institution traditionally seen as culturally homogenous. Additionally, this report offers broad policy recommendations for key stakeholders within the University of St Andrews, such as members of the student-led arts initiatives (societies), the Students’ Association, and University administrators.
Key Findings:
Support structures remain uneven. While university-affiliated societies benefit from financial and logistical support from either the Student Union or the Athletic Union, there is a lack of legal guidance. This is also the case for non-university-affiliated groups, which also suffer from a lack of access to resources such as rehearsal venues.
The lack of diversity and representation of cultures and differing artistic interests is a key issue. The surveys highlight the perception of the cultural identity at St Andrews as ‘elite and Eurocentric’. This exclusivity is perpetuated by a lack of cultural representation and financial accessibility.
An increase in logistical and legal support by the University would increase the accessibility of these initiatives by allowing them to properly represent the multitude of cultures, thus creating a more inclusive cultural identity.
Recommendations:
The establishment of a Student Arts & Initiatives Office to provide guidance on legal, financial, and logistical issues for all societies, regardless of affiliation.
The implementation of a subsidised venue access programme for unaffiliated groups, in return for community-inclusive events.
The creation of a Digital Arts Platform to support peer mentorship and cross-society collaboration.
The development of ticket subsidy schemes and increased marketing for underrepresented art forms to challenge the elitist reputation of major events.