Highlands Open Studios is a self-funding body set-up for artists and makers living and working in the Highlands. It provides a platform to promote the wide range of work of the member artists, designers and makers through their studios and various galleries throughout the area. This is achieved by means of a comprehensive directory, website and events. Plus, it serves as an ideal focus for those in this sector to meet, network, exchange news and views and collaborate.

For 2011, Highlands Open Studios have announced some exciting new initiatives – firstly, to be launched in early April, is a calendar of events, which will accompany each Highlands Open Studios directory distributed across the Highlands, in shops, tourist attractions and galleries, etc. The professionally produced directory is free, and contains a comprehensive listing of 49 member artists, and 10 galleries, providing an overview of each artist, their location, outline of the media worked, together with a colour image of their work. It also includes a handy location map.

The new calendar of events is a fold-out sheet with dates of open studios events, workshops, craft fairs and exhibitions. It also has, in condensed form, all contact information, a distribution map, making it a handy stand-alone pocket document, as well as serving as a supplement to the full directory (which is valid for two years). This is further complemented by being linked to a website calendar containing more detail, as well as updates on events and activities which may be scheduled after the calendar of events has gone to press.

Secondly, in the pipeline, is an on-line shop and gallery which, as part of the membership package, will give Highlands Open Studios members an additional route to market, complimenting their existing marketing activities. It is hoped this will be up and working in the summer. Full details to be announced.

The Highlands is a unique region, steeped in culture and history. Its wild landscape stretches from John O’Groats in the North, to Ballachulish in the South, it is this uniqueness which has attracted many highly skilled and diverse artisans. Current Highlands Open Studio member businesses include textiles, painting (in all media), jewellery, ceramics, pottery, sculpture and glass.

Highlands Open Studios is currently running a membership drive, and invites all professional artists, makers and galleries who live and work within the boundaries of the Highland Council region to join.

Find out more about Highlands Open Studios by visiting the following website:  www.highlandsopenstudios.co.uk

Source: Highlands Open Studios