New jobs to boost arts in the Highlands

A group of arts organisations have received £300,000 to help shape cultural life in the Highlands.

Six new posts will be created as part of the Culture Collective, a national pilot programme establishing a network of creative practitioners, organisations and communities working together in response to Covid-19.

In February, Creative Scotland distributed £5.9 million to 26 lead organisations across Scotland, including £300,000 to enable Fèis Rois to develop ways of responding to the pandemic’s impacts.

The Dingwall-based traditional arts organisation will be the administrative lead, working with Highland Third Sector Interface, Eden Court, Highland Print Studio, Lyth Arts Centre and North Lands Creative.

The jobs created will include a project manager and five artists in residence, with a focus on sectors of the Highland community worst affected by the pandemic.

Fèis Rois chief executive Fiona Dalgetty said: "We are thrilled to have secured this investment to benefit artists and communities across the Highland Council area. This is a unique opportunity to co-create projects."

Donna Cameron, a family worker at Inverness Women’s Aid, added: "Inverness Women’s Aid is really delighted to be included in this project, as the benefits of working creatively are well-documented when faced with the fall-out and trauma of domestic abuse."

For more information visit feisrois.org

Related story: Highland businesswomen raise £4500 for Feis Rois

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