What is it that stops, prevents, or puts people off attending or participating in the arts? One of the biggest hurdles we face when considering marketing or audience development is how to attract those who have not engaged before or have become a lapsed attender.

Some of the more tricker aspects of Audience Research is thinking about the types of questions that you might like to ask your audience, or even knowing what questions to ask in the first place. Tomorrow I am off to Melrose in the Scottish Borders to talk to a network of venues and promoters in […]

“Culture and creativity are important drivers for personal development, social cohesion and economic growth.” European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Back in 2007 the Education and Culture Directorate-General of the European Commission commissioned the TNS Opinion & Social to carry out a survey of public opinion on culture and its value within Europe. 26,755 people across the EU were interviewed across the 27 member states, including residents in the UK.

Something inspiring for the weekend…The Conundrum of the Workshops

In recent years contemporary craft makers have been challenging our perceptions of what craft is, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship and emerging to represent a new, innovative and exciting artform. Jenny Deschenes, Laura West, Lucy Woodley and Daniel Kavanagh, four makers from across the Highlands and Islands, demonstrate in their joint exhibition Made It! the ingenuity, passion and creativity that contemporary craft is today.

On Friday afternoon I was invited up to Milton, near Allness, to attend a joint networking meeting of the Woodlands Community Association, Voluntary Arts Scotland and a variety of artists.

Are you an artist based in the Highlands and Islands? I invite you to be part of my Highlands and Islands Art Blog. Every month I’d like to change the Banner on my Blog to promote the great work, design and events that happen across the Highlands and Islands.

How jealous am I, my sister and fabulous photographer, Ashley-Liv Jamieson, is currently sunning herself over in the United Arab of Emirates!

Day 1 in Orkney along the web marketing tour of Scotland.

The first workshop is done and a new community emerges!