NEOS AGM

The AGM has just been confirmed for Saturday the 18th of February from 10am - 1pm at Airyhall Community Centre on Countesswells Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 8AD.

As ever there will be a chance to network with other creative individuals and to vote for new members of the committee.

Refreshments will also be served.

RSVP: northeastopenstudios@googlemail.com
or on the NEOS FaceBook AGM Event (soon to be posted), but please do NOT telephone the committee.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/302559721861


We look forward to seeing you at this year's AGM.

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

NEOS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR @ BV

For the third year Bridge View Gallery is offering craftspeople and maker members of NEOS the opportunity to set up a stall at the opening of their Christmas show on 1st December. (6-8pm)
I would like to invite you to take part in the fair. Tables are booked on a first come basis and space is limited so early booking is essential .

Once again a booking fee of £5 will go directly to NEOS funds for the next years event.

Set up will be the afternoon of Thursday 1st December

Commission of 35% with 10% going to NEOS funds
　
I do hope you will consider taking part as this helps keep NEOS and the individuals participating in the public eye throughout the year.

book your place by contacting francescrawford@yahoo.co.uk
www.bridge-view.co.uk

Frances Crawford Art
Art Leasing Consultancy
Allathumpach
Glen Deskry
Strathdon
AB36 8XL
tel: 01975651719

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

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

Live sign up / QnA with CCS

NEOS are working closely with Creative Cultures Scotland to bring you an "open day" - at the Loft (50 cotton street) - where David Officer and Philip Thompson will be there from 12 noon to 5pm to answer questions, encourage people to join and participate in Scotland's largest and longest running open studios event.

There will also be a PC there, connected to the internet so people can join up there and then.

So! if you have always want to know more about NEOS, but were afraid to ask, then this is the event for you! If you are coming to use the free "sign up", why not bring a print quality image too (on a removable drive or SD memory card)!

here's a map to the CCS head quarters (50 cotton street)... we look forward to seeing you there!

The NEOS 2011 sign up deadline closes on the 12th of April - so this is a great chance for you to join, with a little bit of help from Phil and Dave.

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.

Visions Photography Club meeting

“Visions Photography Club” based in Ruthrieston Community Centre will be having their first meeting at 19:00 Thursday 31st March.

They “aim to build confidence, share skills and when fully established, organise photography outings and exhibitions.” and will be setting up social media pages and a Creative Cultures Scotland page very shortly.

If you would like to join, or find out more, please contact Gaia Photography’s – John Rutherford : ruddy_rutherford@btinternet.com

"The Next Step" [Workshop]

This workshop helps you take stock of your established* business, review your achievements, consider options for development, kick start new plans, and renew motivation. “…good thought provoking stuff which will help in my future plans.” The Next Step workshop participant What to Expect The workshop includes exercises and plenty of discussion to help you examine the things that you are passionate about, those you are the best at and those that make financial sense for your future. You'll do one short exercise before the workshop to help focus your thinking and start the reflective process. This paper exercise will establish the skills, relationships, profile and rewards that connect your experiences to date and support your future choices. You’ll start by discussing your journey to date and the options that lie ahead. Download The Next Step Exercise What You'll Get Out of It Reassurance, clarity, confidence and greater understanding of how to progress the next stage of your business by identifying; the values which are indispensable to you and your business what changes could help you utilise time and money more efficiently what you want to consolidate or eliminate in order to move your business forward “Was a really good experience even for the fact of meeting up with other creative individuals in the same boat. Reassured that I am still on the right track even if I don’t yet have a lot of the answers” “Learned how to clarify my activities against time spent and income generated. These exercises will help me focus my business plan” “Began to explore what my real desires are in what I want to do against what I could achieve and generate a decent income” “Financial efficiency will be my new favourite phrase” How to book This workshop is free but we do request a £10 refundable deposit to secure your place. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. To reserve a place, please emailevents@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or call 0844 544 9990, unless stated otherwise. *This workshop is aimed at individuals who have been running their business for 3 or more years. Disclaimer: The event organisers may take photographs at this event and reserve the right to use any photos taken. They may be used in marketing materials, appearing either in printed documents or on related websites. Your consent of this condition is appreciated and will assist in the promotion of future events. Your attendance signifies your acceptance of these terms and conditions. Forthcoming Workshops Are Listed Below If you would like to be notified when future workshops are scheduled please emailevents@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk

Aberdeen - The Next Step in partnership with Creative Cultures Scotland Tuesday 22 March 2011, 13:00-16:45

Small World: how are you connected? [Networking event]

Small World: how are you connected? event in Aberdeen on Tuesday 22 March [6.00 - 8.00pm] of interest. Ink Evangelist Johanna Basford will be contributing to the event.

Further details are below and can be found on our website.

Small World: how are you connected? in partnership with Creative Cultures Scotland

Tuesday 22 March 2011, 18:00-20:00, Aberdeen Arts Centre

If the event is of interest please call / email to find out further information and to book.

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!

EXHIBITION SPACE AVAILABLE AT THE ABERDEEN WALDORF SCHOOL, Craigton Road, Cults.

We are delighted to announce that we have decided to enter our school into NEOS this year. Along with our own exhibition of the children's work we would like to invite artists to join us this year.

The exhibition will take place in our large gym hall. We will open for both weekends with a cafe and some music, and hopefully some demonstrations by some of the artists. We will also probably open for a couple of afternoons during the week, but this can be open to negotiation if people collectively feel that more open time is required.

Our own exhibition is going to be hopefully a piece of art from every child within the school. So excluding Kindergarten that should be 79 pieces, so 79 families should be the starting audience. This will consist of painting, handwork, woodwork, dressmaking, sculpture or anything else that the children have done. We may also have some communal art being done with the public, maybe one large painting. We also have outside space in our beautiful grounds for environmental art.

We are very excited about inviting you to join us this year. Our aim is to create a very lively, interesting time for all concerned.

If you are interested and want further information please contact Jane Ronie on 01224 730126 or email me : jane@kimberleynet.plus.com.

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