Arts and Culture
Arts Advice and Support
CnES have one part-time Arts Development Officer post. For advice on Arts Development initiatives in the Outer Hebrides please contact:
Elsie Mitchell
Arts Development Officer
Development Department
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Uig Community Centre
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9JG
Tel: 01851 672 708
e-mail: emitchell@cne-siar.gov.uk
For advice on funding please refer to CnES Arts and Cultural Funding, Arts Funding for Individuals, Arts Funding for Groups and Guide to Project Fundraising for Voluntary Arts Organisations in the Western Isles (PDF, 170K) .
The external organisations listed below also provide a comprehensive on-line arts advice service, which individuals and organisations may find useful.
Voluntary Arts Network
VAN works with policy makers, funders and politicians to improve the environment for everyone participating in the arts, and provide information and training to those who participate in the voluntary arts sector. The VAN website gives detailed answers to almost every question a community arts group may wish to ask. Please refer to the running your group page for advice on starting a group, constitutions, insurance, staffing and finance, or look up the VAN briefings for information on a wide range of topics e.g. “How to write a funding application”, “How to make sure your Group is still here in 10 years time”, “Voluntary and Community Sector Jargon”, “Feasibility Studies”, “Welcoming People with a Learning Disability to the Voluntary Arts”.
Cultural Enterprise Office
Cultural Enterprise Office (CEO) is Scotland’s specialist business support and development service for creative and cultural businesses and individuals. Their free information service is designed to help you plan your way forward if you are setting out to work in the cultural and creative sector, trying to finance and make a living from your creative practice or establish a business or organisation in the sector. Fact sheets can be downloaded on topics such as “Presentation Skills”, “Making Applications and Proposals”, “Documenting and Presenting your work for Different Contexts”, “Planning your Web Presence”, “Legal Structures”, “Business Plan”.
HI Arts
Hi Arts is the Cultural Development Agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Visit the HI Arts Art Form websites for info on arts funding sources, tip sheets, business and marketing advice, reviews, news and useful links specific to: : Crafts, Dance, Drama, Film, Heritage, Music, Visual Arts, Writing
Craftscotland
Craftscotland work with craft-related businesses from across all areas of Scotland to support them in developing their business practice. This includes support to develop their online presence, training in marketing and pricing work, awareness coaching in Intellectual Property and working with them to engage with local and national journalists. They also source and create new opportunities for selling and exhibiting work.
Scottish Arts Council
The Scottish Arts Council is the lead body for the funding development and advocacy for the Arts in Scotland, find out more…
Skillset
Skillset is the industry body which supports skills and training for people and businesses in the UK creative media industries.
Scottish Screen
Scottish Screen is the national development agency for the screen industry in Scotland. Their aim is to inspire audiences, support new and existing talent and businesses, educate young people, and promote Scotland as a creative place to make great films, award winning television and world renowned digital entertainment.
Other Useful Links
The Screenwriters Festival website contains news and information for screenwriters.
The Society of Authors provides help, advice and information for professional writers.
Other Resources
Business Gateway
Business Gateway provide a broad range of advice, support, and financial assistance, including: business-planning; access to funding; marketing; and the practicalities of starting & developing your business.
Live Hebrides
Live Hebrides is a new initiative to raise awareness of the many benefits of broadband. The Live Hebrides team offer support to businesses and organisations who wish to find out more about Broadband and Information Communications Technology (ICT). They will encourage the adoption and use of e-business and online business processes, through an impartial, confidential “supplier neutral” advice service to businesses and organisations throughout the Outer Hebrides. These 1 to 1 advice sessions will be complimented with workshops and seminars to help businesses make the most of information technology. To find out more Tel:0800 035 5483, e-mail: info@livehebrides.com or visit the Live Hebrides website.
On-line Promotion
There are several opportunities to promote your art work/ arts organisation for free on the internet:
The Outer Hebrides Business Directory service is free and open to all local businesses and covers everything from Accountants to Youth Hostels. Business owners can login to manage their own business listing, which can include images, descriptions and multiple contacts. The site is also fully bi-lingual with all non-user supplied content available in English and Gaelic. Businesses can be registered online, alternatively, you can phone Kirsteen on 01851 707 314 who can help with registration or any queries you may have.
Hebrides.TV showcases the best in video content about, for and created by Hebrideans. It provides a resource where people can upload their video content and can be a good platform for business/individuals/community groups who might not have their own website, or who want to widen out their potential audience. There is also access to free use of video/audio equipment for groups or individuals. Please refer to Hebrides.TV for more details.
The HI~Arts website has an Events Guide, and Directories of Venues, Arts Organisations, Galleries and Festivals, all covering the Highlands and Islands as a whole. New entries can be added, and existing entries updated, by going to http://www.hi-arts.co.uk/promote
Craftsscotland has a searchable online directory of makers, retailers and galleries which gives every maker and crafts business based in Scotland a free web page to promote their work.
An Lanntair have an online Artists Directory which lists artists and arts related organisations in and around the Outer Hebrides. It is free to submit an entry.
