SOS ~ Save Open Studios

Since its inception in 2003, NEOS has grown amazingly and now beginning its 9th year NEOS urgently needs the membership to help make sure NEOS still continues to thrive.

North East Open Studios will be losing 8 of the 12 committee members at this year's AGM.

This is major news and will certainly have a detrimental effect on the future of NEOS if the membership cannot help.
No committee means no NEOS 2012!

URGENT CALL FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS!

If you are interested in joining the committee, or know of someone who is, we will shortly be sending out role descriptions for each position listed below for you to consider, as well as nomination forms to be returned.
Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone you think may be interested.

We ask you to consider your commitment to the committee and the membership carefully if you do wish to fill one of the positions available. NEOS has been very lucky to have a supportive, proactive and attentive volunteer team
and needs this to continue, it does not need sleeping members!


Roles to fill: Chairperson, Treasurer, Coordinator, Graphic Design & Web, Secretary, Minutes Secretary, and Press & Social Media.

News update from the AB+ Cultural Conference

If you haven’t signed up (by e-mailing aberdeen.positive@gmail.com) then hopefully this update will convince you that this is a conference not to be missed. An opportunity for your voice to be heard in driving the future of the arts and culture in Aberdeen.
We’re pleased to report that our main speakers have confirmed their attendance. Charles Landry, an authority on urban futures and the use of creative approaches to enable cities achieve farsighted aims, will be joined by Valerie Watts, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council and Professor Paul Harris, Head of Gray’s School of Art.

Valerie will be describing her experiences in Northern Ireland with Londonderry’s bid to become European Capital of Culture and the impact this had on the arts there, whilst Paul will talk about bringing the V&A to Dundee.

Of course, whilst the speakers are important, the vital element will be your participation in the two workshop sessions and we’ll have more details of these – and the subjects to be discussed – in the new year.

Some people have been asking us what time the conference starts and finishes. The answer is 9.15 for coffee and registration for a 10.00 a.m. start and close of business at 5.00 p.m. although there will then be an hour’s social and a glass of wine for those that want to network. We’ll bring you further news about the conference nearer the time, but in the meantime, could you please complete a short survey, regardless of whether you intend to come to the conference or otherwise?

The survey can be found at http://positiveaberdeen.wordpress.com/questionnaire . You should choose whether to answer as an individualor on behalf of an organisation (NOT both please!). The survey results will help us plan exactly how the conference runs so if you could please please please complete the survey by the end of the year, that would be very helpful. Thanks in anticipation of your co-operation!

Finally, if you haven’t signed up for the conference, the e-mail address again is aberdeen.positive@gmail.com.
Best regards,

Aberdeen Positive (AB+)

AB+

… an invitation to the forthcoming Aberdeen Positive (AB+) Conference which will take place on the 26th of January 2012 at Aberdeen Arts Centre.

This conference is the idea of a group of arts organisations and practitioners working in Aberdeen and the wider region with the overarching aim of making a ‘step-change’ in the cultural life of the city. We want this conference to celebrate what we currently do well and to challenge us to improve, to think big and ultimately help identify the steps we need to take to reach our ambitions.

Further info

Further details about the conference and booking details are contained in the invite letter (download from here) – please feel free to pass this letter of invitation on to colleagues and contacts who are interested developing the cultural life of this area.

If you have any problems opening the invite please contact aberdeen.positive@gmail.com

Pushing Out the Boat – Issue 11 Call for Submissions

Deadine: 1st october 2011

Submissions of writing and artwork are invited for Issue 11 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s acclaimed magazine of prose, poetry and visual arts. Subject to funding, Issue 11 will be published in late Spring 2012, with the possibility of an online version to follow.

WRITING:
Send up to three poems and/or up to two prose/playscript pieces in English, Doric or Scots.

ARTWORK:
Send up to three images (colour and/or black-and-white) of 2- or 3-dimensional work – including line drawings, illustrations, photographs, etc.

Submission is by email only: for details of how to submit your work go to the Pushing Out the Boat website at http://www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk/submissions

Successful entrants will receive a copy of the magazine and an invitation to read or display their work at the launch event to be held in late Spring 2012.

2011 pick up points

The 2011 catalogues have now been distributed to the pick up points, so all members can get their allocation of 2011 catalogues.

full details can be found here (mailchimp newsletter sent 07/08/11) : http://eepurl.com/e87DM

the catalogue page has also been updated on the NEOS website http://northeastopenstudios.co.uk/catalogues.asp

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Distribution of 2011 Catalogues

We have taken delivery of the 24,000 NEOS 2011 catalogues and are hurriedly getting them to the distribution points for areas of pick up around the whole of the north east of Scotland...

You might have seen some catalogues making a break for freedom, which is great - but fear not - if you are awaiting your allocation - an email will be issued very soon (this week) as to where and when to pick them up.

Be patient, and if you can help ship boxes to distribution points, please do get in touch.

info@northeastopenstudios.co.uk

Holding the Heart - Experiential Writing Workshops

Experiential Writing Workshops

A year-long series of workshops based around the creative writing technique, Free Writing. These will nurture your individual creativity and encourage its expression through the exploration and sharing of your own unique story. We use visualisation, photography, artwork and music alongside other creative springboards.

Workshops: Fortnightly beginning Monday 22nd August ~ 7pm to 9.30pm

Fee: £80 per term (4 terms per year) Location: Corse House, Near Lumphanan AB31 4SB

Bookings: 013398 83411 or janislouden@btinternet.com

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

People of Our Time presents Macbeth

Can Mel Shand tempt anyone with whisky & shortbread, and, a GREAT looking production of Macbeth on this Saturday in Finzean?

Just a wee note to tell, prod or even remind you that you can buy tickets for this exciting show coming to the lovely Finzean Hall this Saturday. Whether it's the weather, or the holidays or the recession or a fear of Shakespeare this is something NOT to miss!!

So, do come along and support POOT (People of Our Time) if you can ~ and spread the word if you cant!) Tickets are only £8 & £6 ... AND it's got the chap from Raven! It is also cheaper than a night out with Harry Potter! You can get your tickets from Mel by ringing her on 01330 850674, or emailing her at: melshand.artist@gmail.com

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September 2011, or visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

NEOS 2011 Guide - ready for proofing

Dear 2011 members...

The NEOS 2011 guide (map) is now ready for proofing - after years of trying to place hundreds of dots, and occasionally getting one or two wrong, we've decided to get you (the members) to help us ensure that the dots are as close to the venue as possible...

so! check out http://www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk/proofMap.asp and find your dot (instructions on how to find your NEOS entry number on the page).

Tell your friends about it (if they are involved in NEOS) - just in case they don't get (or read*) the NEOS emails, read the blog, follow us on twitter, visit the NEOS website or are following us on facebook.

Yours,

The NEOS Team.

* - did you know that on average, only 48% of people getting the NEOS emails read them? - Mailchimp provide some very interesting statistics...

Blairs Museum

Blairs Museum have been in touch and would like to call out to North East Artists...


Recently restored portrait of the young Bonnie Prince Charlie

We are already entered for the NEOS 2011 but would like to put out a call to
all artists that we are actually available as a venue for exhibitions all
year round as opposed to just that week. We welcome artists working with
different types of media, only mindful of the fact that as a Catholic
organisation it could not conflict with their policies. Previously, we have
had photographers, watercolourists and textile designers who use a large
display area at the back of a beautiful and ornate church. We are out of the
way (4 miles out on the South Deeside Road) but enjoy scenic and peaceful
surroundings.


Mary Queen of Scots costumes

We don't ask for a percentage of any sales, only a donation of a piece of
artwork which we can include in our annual raffle to raise money to keep the
museum open. As the curator is present all year round, weekdays between 0900
and 1500, the artist does not need to be 'in residence'. However, we would
welcome talks/working practice wherever possible.

Please contact Vikki Duncan, curator, on 01224 863767.
www.blairsmuseum.com



NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Can anyone help these artists?

Photographer Andy Martin is looking for a venue (or a group of artists with whom to share a venue) in the Banff area for NEOS 2011.
Time is running short for making the NEOS registration deadline (5 days left) so if anyone is able to help Andy please contact Suzanne Edge (NEOS secretary) as soon as possible at suzanne@suzanneedge.co.uk

Julia Oliver is showing at Inchmarlo Golf Course club house and is looking for artists to join her. There is indoor and outdoor space available. Anyone interested can contact Julia by email info@eventmanage.co.za.

Don't forget that there's a chance to get help with your online applications from Phil and David at the registration event at The Loft (50 Cotton Street) between 12noon and 5pm - details in the blog below. Please shout if you need help in the last few days before the application deadline.


NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Creative Cultures Scotland - Free Directory

http://www.creativeculturescotland.co.uk/join/

Creative Cultures Scotland is a charity set in the North East of Scotland to help promote and showcase creative individuals, groups and organisations.

They run a directory (free to join) that gives you space to upload as little or as much information as you want to share / showcase. There is also a facility to link 3rd party content (blogs, twitter, youTube, flickr, soundcloud etc).

It's primarily there to showcase the breadth and wealth of talent from the North East of Scotland in one place... so help them help you prove that the North East is a vibrant and creative place to live and work.

Could your business win a Grampian Award?

The Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise seek to encourage and reward entrepreneurial businesses and individuals.

Now, more than ever, is the time to shine and send out a positive message about your business.

The Grampian Awards are now open for entries to small and medium sized businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire.

The Grampian Awards are your chance to show everyone - investors, customers, suppliers and staff - that your business is an outstanding business.

If you think that your business could be a winner, register now at:

www.grampianawards.com

Closing date for registration: 31st March 2011

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Closing date for registration: 31st March 2011

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Are You Ready?

The on-line application for NEOS 2011 is now LIVE!

Please visit http://northeastopenstudios.co.uk/createaccount.asp and follow all the instructions there!

We are ready ... are you? 10 Top Tips for making your entry!

1. Think about the benefits of having your own entry, even when holding a group Open Studios. This will help make you accessible all year to potential clients/audience.
   
2. Do read the newsletters .. there will be important NEOS information in them!
   
3. Really think about your image .. and how it best sells YOU!
4. Please make sure your image is named IDENTICALLY to your entry name, when you send it to us.
5. Practice your wording and think about how best it raises your profile.
6. Very important! YOU are responsible for YOUR entry. Get a friend to proof read your entry.
7. Think about how people will find you from your directions, why not do a dummy run yourself?
8. Send your payment promptly please, made payable to North East Open Studios.
   
9. On the reverse of your cheque please write your entry name IDENTICALLY to your entry.
10. Proof read the map when we send it out for proof reading!

We have changed the index page on the NEOS website .. so you can keep an eye on what is happening at a glance .. why not bookmark it and then you can find the page instantly & make your searching a bit more easy!
If you have any questions, need to find a venue or any news you would like to share do check out the committee and get in touch!

Please don't forget to keep checking the web site , the news page, the NEOS Blog, our Facebook page as well as twitter too!

the deadline for Entries is the 12th of April 2011 - tell your friends! spread the word!

Contributions are invited for a photographic installation/exhibition

Contributions are invited for a photographic installation/exhibition in The Lang Byre Gallery in may 2011.

The Redsuit Project was conceived in 2009 and presented initially in 2010 at Left Bank Gallery in Tarland, Aberdeenshire by artist Janet McEwan, who asked a number of people, including amateur photographers and professional artists, to take a disposable red coverall and photograph it in a place of their choice.

The performative, playful and poetic images taken in places near and far, encourage us to reconsider where and how we position ourselves within the worlds around us.

The project is now calling for more participants: to respond to the Redsuit theme, and help create an evocative group artwork which will be installed in the Lang Byre Gallery throughout May.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Get your redsuit!
   Red coveralls can be purchased from the Woodend Barn reception desk for £5, or by contacting the project email address below, to arrange a postal delivery.
2. Take a photograph featuring a redsuit.
   If the red coverall is worn as a ‘costume’, the identity of the wearer must be concealed, e.g. photographed from the rear. The redsuit can also be placed as an object, within the photograph: e.g. see lower image on left. The image should be landscape format. A short accompanying text is requested, but is not essential.
3. Send your image(s).
   Please email a high-resolution digital copy (at least 300dpi) to redsuitproject@yahoo.co.uk. You can send up to 5 images. There is no entry fee. Janet McEwan will be responsible for selection, printing and presentation of all images. All print costs will be covered by the project. Prints will not be for sale unless with prior agreement with the photographer.
4. Come to the exhibition preview on May 1st!
   All participants will be invited to the exhibition private view.

KEY DATES

Mon. 18th April – Final date for receiving images.

Sun. 1st May – Exhibition Preview 6pm – 8pm.

Thurs 26th May – Last day of exhibition

http://janetmcewan.com/#/the-redsuit-project/4548993548

Hospitalfield house Open Day

The Visitors open Day on the 13th of March at Hospitalfield house is coming together. So far we have the following arts & crafts participants ...

Taisir Gibreel’s
www.taisirgibreel.co.uk

Hatti Pattisson
www.hattipattisson.com

Just Gems
www.just-gems.co.uk

Springfield Creative Arts
www.franmarquis.co.uk

Tessa Mendez
www.feltunique.co.uk

Belinda Rose
www.belindarose.co.uk

Sheenagh Young
www.angusopenstudios.com/memberPage.htm?Sheenagh%20Young

Maralyn Reedwood
http://www.redcastlepottery.co.uk/

SSW - Creative Producer

A new opportunity has arisen at Scottish Sculpture Workshop for a Creative Producer. We are looking for a creative and dedicated individual who will work alongside the Director, contributing to strategic planning and marketing where this relates to the management and practical delivery of the programme. The Creative Producer will join our small dedicated team at a vital time in the development of SSW, as we build upon our national and international programming priorities.

Salary £22,000 per annum (Fixed Term: One Year)

For more information and an application pack, contact Kelly M. Anderson at kelly@ssw.org.uk


Closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday 7 March 2011

Outside Overview by Alex Kay and Susie Hunt

An Exhibition of Contrasting Landscapes

You are invited to a preview on Sunday 27th February 2-4pm
Exhibition open until 29th March 2011

Open daily 10am - 4pm (except during workshops and private events) Sundays 1-4pm

at Lang Byre Gallery, Woodend Barn, Burn o' Bennie, Banchory AB31 5QA 01330 826520

Creative Cultures Scotland "Best of 2010"

Creative Cultures Scotland are running a Poll to find out what the "best cultural events of 2010" were for the North East of Scotland... perhaps you'd like to nominate NEOS?...

to enter your favourite event (whatever it is!) - please visit : http://polldaddy.com/s/0043028E2F8DAE64 and let them know.

NEOS AGM 19th February 2011

19 February · 10:00 - 12:00

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Location:

Gordon Highlanders Museum

St Luke’s, 16 Viewfield Road (AB15 7XH)

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

A fantastic chance to meet the NEOS committee, fellow artists, hear about NEOS 2010 news, it's plans & dates for 2011, as well as an opportunity for networking too. The GHM will be laying on tea, coffee and yummy scones to tempt you along!
NEOS is Scotland's largest Open Studios showcasing a wealth of talent, from amature to professional. NEOS is a platform for the arts in Sepetember, giving Audience and Practitioner alike the ability to interface and connect.

If you think you might like to help NEOS'11 and would like to join the NEOS team, please get intouch by emailing emma@plaform22.co.uk
or, do you know anyone who would like to hear more about this event or would like to become a new NEOS member? Please forward this invitation to them ~ thank you!

We look forward to seeing lots of you there.

FACEBOOK invite : http://www.facebook.com/waspsstudios?v=info#!/event.php?eid=169104396468130&notif_t=event_invite