The Shetland Arts Trust was set up in 1985 to promote and develop the creative Arts in and for Shetland in a local, national and international context. Although an independent Trust, SAT have delegated responsibility to deliver Shetland Islands Council’s arts and cultural strategy. The Shetland Islands Council's Strategy for the Arts is linked to the Shetland Arts Trust's Four Year Plan. The objectives of the Arts Trust are to encourage, stimulate and promote interest in, and understanding of, artistic and related pursuits among the inhabitants of Shetland. The Trust provides approximately £40,000 per year to arts development projects of benefit to the people of Shetland.

The Shetland Archives contain written records of Shetland’s past, from the 15th up to the 20th century. The Shetland Museums Service operates three museums: The main museum at the Hillhead in Lerwick, The Crofthouse Museum and The Böd of Gremista. The Shetland Library includes a Learning Centre.