In the paper Towards a New Enlightenment: A Cultural Policy for the City of Edinburgh the Council states that culture is 'an essential element in lifelong learning, economic development, social regeneration, and in the quality of life of and personal well being of individuals' (Preface).

The priorities of the Cultural Strategy are: (i) to enable all of Edinburgh’s citizens and visitors to participate in, and enjoy, the widest cultural experience, including targeting initiatives to combat social exclusion; (ii) to encourage the highest standards of creativity and excellence in all aspects of cultural activities; (iii) to foster partnership working with organisations throughout the city which are involved in working within, or supporting, cultural activities, such as higher and further educational establishments, national institutions, museums and galleries, the commercial and private sector; (iv) to develop lively and sustainable cultural industries, among which should be those evolving with the emergence of new technologies; (v) to develop and support the infrastructure which sustains Edinburgh’s cultural industries and activities; (vi) to recognise and promote the importance of culture for children and young people; (vii) to acknowledge and support the contribution of cultural activities to the lifelong learning process for the wider community; (viii) to preserve and interpret Edinburgh’s heritage; (ix) to promote locally, nationally and internationally the expression of Edinburgh’s diverse cultural identity, and to recognise the reciprocal benefits of widening cultural experience through international contacts; and (x) to support and develop those cultural activities which enrich and extend personal and community development

The policy was approved by the Council in March 1999 following consultation between the Council’s policy working group and over 200 arts and cultural organisations. The policy outlines a number of cultural objectives highlighting the Council’s main priorities and sets outs strategic programmes for specific areas (film, dance, etc). These sector strategies are available from the website.

Culture and Sport has responsibility for the following: