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

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.

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.

Creative Cultures Scotland - Networking night in Inverurie 16th September 2010

Networking - Sept 16th at the Wyness Hall (Inverurie) 6 - 8pm

As part of the NEOS event, Creative Cultures Scotland are delighted to bring you a networking event in Aberdeenshire! After the fantastic Lemon Tree networking / itchee wasp exhibition, where ACC's Gary Cameron had talked briefly about the Aberdeen City & Shire visual arts and crafts awards, Saskia Gibbon will be presenting information, and a reminder that the deadline is fast approaching for the first round of applications. We will also be joined by Gabrielle Reith (NEOS coordinator) giving us an update of how NEOS is going, from feedback received that week, as well as Morag McGee (ceramicist) Giving us insight into her working practice. CCS' Aurelie Bureau will also be talking about her role in helping people find funds for "big projects". (Wine and nibbles included as always!)

If you would like to come, please send an email to : creativeculturescotland@googlemail.com
CCS will also be working with CityMoves and SMart Consultants for more networking opportunities later in the year... October 14th is a date to keep clear in you diaries... 

Free online directory for Creative people in the North East of Scotland

Creative Cultures Scotland is an online directory and support charity for Creative individuals and Organiastions in the North East of Scotland.

You can create a free web page featuring as little or as much information as you want! With the ability to populate your page with external content from flickr, youTube, soundCloud or blog feeds, it's easy to set up and you can leave it, safe in the knowledge it'll be updated automatically.

CCS also run networking nights, and are piloting a support service for members to work with Aurelie Bureau to apply for funding.

for more information, please write to Philip Thompson : info@creativeculturescotland.co.uk

to create an online profile with CCS, please visit: http://creativeculturescotland.co.uk/join/

Creative Cultures Scotland - free on-line directory for artists, makers and galleries

Philip Thompson from  the NEOS committee also works for the charity - Creative Cultures Scotland, which have recently upgraded their website / on-line directory to enable practitioners to join for free, giving them access and control over their own directory entry. Several simple "web technologies" have been implemented so practitioners can set up their profile, linking to other content providers on the web (flickr, youTube, twitter, soundCloud and RSS feeds) - ensuring that your profile page will be populated by up to date content, with no extra work for you! to create an account - please visit http://www.creativeculturescotland.co.uk/join/ 

If this all sounds a little daunting or scary - Philip will be running some drop in sessions for you to get accustomed  with using the web and these excellent 3rd party facilities - so you can maximise your on-line presence.

If you are interested in these session, please send Philip an email - info@creativeculturescotland.co.uk

Thank you - networking night attendees

We just wanted to thank everyone who came to the Networking night tonight (Tuesday 4th August) - it was a pleasure to see so many positive, energetic people discussing their Open Studios "ideas"...

We had a fantastic show n tell from the Spring Fling's Adam & Amanda - some amazing stories of how Artists, Makers and Galleries are using the Spring Fling to test and try out new projects and ways of interacting with new audiences (and sustaining them!). Emma Pattullo and Madge Wards gave some excellent insights and stories as to how their NEOS experiences have shaped their approach to making work and showing / interacting with their audiences.

A big thanks to Philip Thompson (Creative Cultures Scotland) and Helen Voce (Cultural Enterprise Office) for facilitating a wonderfully social event.

Networking Night

Refreshing the Visitor and Participant Open Studio Experience 4 August 2009

NEOS are proud to work with Creative Cultures Scotland and the Cultural Enterprise Office to bring you a chance to network before your NEOS '09 event - and hear from makers and organisers of Scotland's longest running Open Studios - the Spring Fling...

Emma Patullo will also be talking about making the most of your NEOS event as well as other juicy and helpful snippets of information.

The event will be held at Mill Farm, Kemnay, Inverurie AB51 5NY Tuesday 4 August 2009, 18:00-20:00

For full details & registration, please visit : http://www.culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk/website/events_training.asp?view=&type=events&item=10512#10512

spaces are limited to 50 so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Creative Cultures - Opportunties

Weekly updates for opportunities in the creative sectors from Creative Cultures Scotland...

e.g. :
deadline: 31 July 2009
The European Cultural Fund (ECF) is seeking applications to its Artistic Project Grants programme. Grants are available to both cultural organisations and individual artists but need to include partners from other eligible European countries. The programme supports outstanding artistic projects which show vision in illuminating the issues of diversity in Europe. The usual grant given by the Foundation is between £30,000 and £60,000.
For more information visit www.eurocult.org/we-support-culturalcooperation/grants.