1. Supporting Craft in the Highlands and Islands Community Cultural Network 1 st December 2007

2. Craft 1 HI~Arts is the Arts Development Agency for the Highlands and Islands We are contracted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and funded by the Scottish Arts Council We have delivered a range of development programmes in different art forms: theatre, music, literature Our support for the Craft sector has included collaborating on the creation of craftscotland, and providing small awards for Makers

3. Craft 2 Scoping Study 49 interviews 86 survey responses 11 telephone interviews with associations 2 focus groups Amanda Bryan, Aigas Associates

4. Craft 3 Lack of understanding of the craft sector Diversity of the sector Lack of audience awareness Variable development support for the sector What is quality? Lack of cohesion in the sector The challenges of information dissemination and communication. Key Issues

5. Craft 4 Makers’ Needs Creative and Professional Skills Development Low Cost Workshop Space Advice and Funds for Business Development Reducing Isolation Northlands Glass, Lybster

6. Craft 5 Rec. 1: Pilot Training Programme tailored for craft makers central funding and management delivered locally across the Highlands and Islands. networking opportunities. CEO training event

7. Craft 6 Rec. 2: Pilot ‘Go See’ build networks raise the bar in terms of quality and professionalism experience competition form other areas consider presentation and pricing issues different levels with different styles of event in Scotland, Harrogate and London attended. London Craft Fair

8. Craft 7 Rec. 3: Craft Development Officer cover North and East Highland manageable geographically critical mass of craft makers Shetland, and Skye & Wester Ross have existing posts focus on growing the capacity of individual makers establish a more cohesive and confident sector in North and East Highland

9. Craft 8 Rec. 4: Administrator support the craft development officer support the delivery of the Makers Scheme Quality Assessment Scheme and the Mentoring Scheme Web tasks (see later recommendations)

10. Craft 9 Rec. 5: targeted support Expanded Makers Awards Scheme Quality Assessment scheme which will help target makers’ needs for support One-to-one surgeries Mentoring Scheme for makers focussing on craft skills rather than business skills Patricia Shone, recipient of HI~Arts Maker’s Award

11. Craft 10 Rec. 6: Quality Assessment an independent study addressing the issue of the definition of quality a consistent, widely acceptable and transparent quality assessment process identify the type of support that makers may require in order to develop draw on the Shetland experience Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland

12. Craft 11 Rec. 7: ‘Subscription’ Activity endorsement of the artistic product curators, reviewers, peer advocacy, retailers, collectors etc. improve the image of craft and help with market segmentation. must be achieved across the Highlands and Islands. Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh

13. Craft 12 Rec. 8: Socio-economic impact identify the number of makers, geographical distribution economic value of craft businesses in total and also as a contribution to the micro economies in which they are based, economic multipliers, social benefits including links with formal and informal education comparison with other key sectors in these areas level of return based on public sector funds invested per annum.

14. Craft 13 Rec. 9: Web resources Review the craft highland website avoid duplication of information provided on craftscotland Liaise with providers of local craft information and websites develop an improved tier structure for provision of craft information.

15. Craft 14 Rec. 10: Communication a comprehensive ‘communications’ database of all craft makers in the Highlands and Islands improved information distribution networks and accessibility. development of information and/or events aimed at retailers/curators provision of an information sheet providing a summary of the sector and main contacts to potentially interested parties. co-ordinated with craftscotland in order to minimise potential for duplication.

16. Craft 15 Integration with Visual Arts Support for artists’/makers’ groups and studio trails Resources for Continuing Professional Development Awareness raising and critical assessment Networking and coordination, gatherings and seminars A comprehensive database of artists and opportunities Liaison with key agencies: ‘making the case’

17. Craft 16 Next Steps Clarify region-wide and area-based levels of support Integrate with recommendations for Visual Arts support: a single Unit? Integrate with existing posts and agencies Work with artists/makers’ groups Prepare funding applications: SAC, HIE, Cooperative Development Scotland, Trusts and Foundations Borgh Pottery