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,

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 deadline mentioned on STV

Great news! the NEOS 2011 application process was mentioned on STV!

http://local.stv.tv/aberdeen/announcements/13863-register-for-popular-arts-festival/

Deadline closes on the 12th of April 2001, create an account and complete your entry via :

http://northeastopenstudios.co.uk/createaccount.asp

REMEMBER TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!

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

"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

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!

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

Aberdeenshire Yellow Sign Placement

It’s just about time to put up your yellow signs. Please can you just take a couple of minutes to read the do’s and don’ts below.

Please put your sign up just before NEOS starts (no earlier than Friday 10th) and take them down on the last day (Sunday 19th).

Please do not attach them to any Council owned street furniture, on any trunk road (ie A96, A90 etc) and near any junction.

Aberdeenshire Council have provided us with a pamphlet “Guidelines on Unauthorised Signs” (which can be downloaded here). Please adhere to the section “Guidelines for Authorised Signs in Community Events”.

remember, if you need yellow signs, and can't get hold of "official" corrugated plastic ones - you can always download the template and print it on yellow paper and laminate them. The poster can be found here : Blank NEOS Poster

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NEOS 2010: September 11th - 19th. Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Important information for NEOS Participants within Aberdeen City

1. Signs on private property (in gardens, on houses, in cars, front gate, own fence) are permitted.
   
   
2. Signs placed on any Road/Traffic Information furniture are considered a grave hazard and are Illegal i.e. Traffic lights, Railings, Pedestrian crossings, Stop/Give Way. If in doubt do not use it.
   
   
3. Each venue will be allowed to display one NEOS sign on each of a maximum of two street lamps – one outside their venue and one at their closest road junction (providing it is not a major junction).
   
   
4. The signs should be attached to the lamp post as high as possible. Preferably 2.4m above ground level. This is to protect pedestrians and facilitate drivers.
   
   
5. Directional arrows written on the signs should be written as large as possible.
   
   
6. The signs can be put up 1-2 days in advance of 11th September and must be removed by 1 day after 19th September.
   
   
7. Signs not removed by the artists will be removed by Aberdeen City Council and the cost of removal will be charged to NEOS/Participants.
   
   
8. The Roads Department will advise their city and community inspectors not to remove NEOS signage if it compliant with the above
   
   
9. Next year the Roads Department will like to discuss with NEOS the positioning of signage several months ahead of the event.

Big thanks to Helen Plumb for dealing with Aberdeen City Council and coming to an agreement. Also thanks to Gary Cameron of ACC for working hard to promote NEOS within the council too.

NEOS 2010: September 11th - 19th. Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

NEOS bloggers?

We're looking to find out who'll be blogging during their NEOS events...

If you'd like to contribute to a "mashup" blog (mixing all the feeds from all the bloggers) and have a wee feature on a new page for the website, please send us an email, a 100 word mini biog (or statement about your blog), and we'll set up a page... waiting for the big day! go on, it'll be fun...

info@northeastopenstudios.co.uk

NEOS 2010: September 11th - 19th. Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

CALL TO NEOS ARTISTS - POTB

PUSHING OUT THE BOAT, North-East Scotland’s magazine of new writing and the visual arts would greatly appreciate your help!

Would you like to sell our beautiful magazine from your studio? The magazine retails at £5 per copy from which the vendor receives £1.50. You would be working on a sale or return basis so you cannot lose financially. If interested please contact Martin Walsh at info@pushingouttheboat.co.uk or tel 01224 586093

We are also currently taking submissions for next year’s Issue (10). We receive artwork from all over the world but would like to see more from here.

Submissions close 1st October. For more details see our website: www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk

Engage Scotland – Creative Professional Networking Event @ Moray Arts Centre

Thursday 19th August • 4pm – 7pm • MORAY ART CENTRE

Engage Scotland is the professional gallery education association promoting access to, enjoyment and understanding of the visual arts in the UK and internationally from a Scottish perspective.

This FREE networking event is presented as a great opportunity for creative professionals working in the North East of Scotland to meet and share ideas. Artists, Educators, Teachers and Cultural Coordinators are invited to attend the session, which is intended to stimulate and fortify visual art education in this part of Scotland.

16.00 Arrival at Venue
16.30 Food & Refreshments served
17.00 Presentation by Speakers including:

• Scott Byrne, Moray Art Centre
• Sarah Yearsley, engage Scotland
• Danielle Daglan, Cultural Coordinator Manager, Moray Council
• Graeme Roger, Artist and Co-Founder of Wildbird Arts
• Growing Audiences North East (GANE)

18.00 Guided Tour of Nameless Exhibition and Review of Associated Educational Events
18.15 Coffee & Refreshments and Opportunity to Network with Attendees

To book your FREE place for this event, please contact Scott Byrne at Moray Art Centre using the following details:
Email: education@morayartcentre.org
Tel: (01309) 69 24 26
MORAY ART CENTRE, The Park Findhorn, Moray, IV36 3TA

The event is hosted by Moray Art Centre and supported by engage Scotland
http://www.morayartcentre.org
http://www.engagescotland.org.uk

NEOS catalogue pick up points

North East Open Studios - 2010 Catalogue ready for pickup!

Hello!

1. NEOS 2010 participant catalogue allocation
2. Pick UP Points

We're really happy to announce that the 2010 NEOS catalogues are ready for pick up! 24,000 catalogues have been printed this year, and we think they look pretty spiffy. Printed by MMS Almac, this year's catalogue features 254 artists, makers and galleries. Cover photograph by John Rutherford (Gaia Photography).

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1. NEOS 2010 participant catalogue allocation

If you are participating in NEOS2010, you are allocated ONE BOX (45 catalogues) - BUT! If you need more please let us know! Below is the current list of pick up points, but we always need more key locations to take catalogues for easy distribution, if you think you can help, please let us know. We're also looking for people to help pick up boxes fromSusie Hunt's "mill farm studios". The more cars, the better!

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2. Pick UP Points

We've distributed boxes to the following locations for members to pick up from (please phone in advance, just to make sure someone is there, with catalogues for you!):

• Archaeolink (Oyne)
• Duff House (Banff)
• Frameworks Gallery (Kinellar)
• Frances Crawford (Strathdon)
• Junction Art and Gifts (Aberdeen)
• Just Art (Fochabers)
• Maitlands Coffee Shop (Fraserburgh)
• Mill Farm, Kemnay (Kemnay)
• Milton Gallery (Crathes)
• Monymusk Arts trust (Monymusk)
• Niall Paton (Ordhead)
• Platform 22 (Torphins)
• Scottish Sculpture Workshop (Lumsden)
• Springfield Creative Arts (Arbroath)
• Starfish Studio (Johnshaven)
• Syllavethy Gallery (Alford)
• The Loft (Aberdeen)
• Tolquhon Gallery (Tarves)
• Touched by Scotland (Oyne)

If you can be a distribution point, please let us know. We've also taken many copies to key locations and venues in the North East of Scotland, but if you see a place without catalogues, or think of a place the catalogues should be, please let us know, we need your help too!

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We are all looking forward to a great NEOS 2010 and are very happy to have you onboard!
Thank you! If you have any questions then please email Gabrielle Reith at info@northeastopenstudios.co.uk

Yours, The 2010 NEOS team

new paintings and sculpture by James Newton Adams

You and your guests are invited to a preview of new paintings and sculpture by Skye based artist, James Newton Adams.
Preview Friday 13th August 2010
6pm - 8pm
The show runs until Saturday September 4th

Evening event this Friday, 6th August 2010
An opportunity to see work by jewellery maker, Anne Marquiss and to talk to her about her practice and her residency at the gallery.
6pm - 8pm

Left Bank is open Thurs/Fri/Sat 11am - 5pm and by appointment.

For more information please contact Sera James Irvine at:

Left Bank, 5 Bridge Street, Tarland AB34 4YN
leftbank.tarland@googlemail.com
Tel: 013398 81603
Mob: 07775606087

Web page: Left Bank
Facebook: Left Bank

Aberdeenshire Voluntary Arts Training & Information day

Aberdeenshire Arts Team would like to invite you to join us for a Voluntary Arts Training & Information day on Saturday 4th September 10am to 4pm at Woodend Barn, Banchory.

The event is to launch an Aberdeenshire wide project - Finding Creativity. We will be working with the hundreds of arts volunteers and local groups in our communities to find and promote Aberdeenshire’s vibrant voluntary arts sector, working with partners to provide training and support, to enable Voluntary Arts to thrive.

Please see the Finding Creativity Flyer for further information.

We anticipate approximately 80 people attending this first event so places are limited to two members from each arts group.

Please share this information with other Arts Groups and with your networks.

NEOS 2010 banners for your use

Phil Thompson has created a range of images you can choose to use to link to the NEOS site from your website! follow the link - and if you can add / control your own webspace HTML, simply copy and paste your favoured banner code blockand hey presto! A link to NEOS2010...



You can also customise the link to show your own individual entry! add "individual.asp?name=" to the end of the HREF - and put your own entry name on the end (e.g. individual.asp?name="Philip Thompson")

NEOS 2010: September 11th - 19th. Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

VSA 2009 NEOS show in "knit Today" magazine

The VSA Show for NEOS 2009 has been featured in the magazine "Knit Today" - we've uploaded a low resolution version for you to have a quick preview of, if you want to read the article, we'd advise buying the magazine!

Excellent work, and fantastic publicity!

do you think NEOS is good?

Think NEOS is good? then why not nominate it for a Scottish Thistle Award?

http://www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk/awards-categories/nominate-a-business/

Created by VisitScotland in 1991, the Scottish Thistle Awards showcase business excellence and quality. As an important event on the tourism calendar, the media attention it generates helps VisitScotland and the sponsors raise the profile of the tourism industry. The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in Scottish Tourism.

the Closing Date is June 30th - so please tell everyone how good NEOS is, and get them to vote too! Spread the word!

yours, The NEOS team.

Aberdeen - The Next Step: in partnership with Aberdeen City Council (CEO)

Keeping Your Creative Business on Track

Studio Workshop, Whitespace, 60 Frederick Street, Aberdeen AB24 5HY
Friday 4 June 2010, 13:00-16:45

• Do you need reassurance that you are on the right track or support in choosing which path to follow next?
• Struggling to balance the things you want to do with the things that make financial sense?
• Trying to weigh up which aspects of your business to develop and those to abandon?

This workshop provides an opportunity to take stock of your achievements to date and explore the options that lie ahead. You can use it to review your business plan, kick start the next plan, have a reality check or remotivate yourself.
Aimed at anyone working in the cultural and creative industries who has been running their own business for 3 years or more. You may have already attended our Starting Out workshop and now be looking for support with your next set of challenges.

What to Expect
You will 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. The workshop includes practical exercises and discussion:

• Where am I at? – mapping your journey to date and the options that lie ahead. This paper exercise will establish the skills, relationships, profile and rewards that connect your experiences to date and support your future choices.
• Reinforce your values – identify the values which are indispensable to you and your business.
• Worth the investment – determine whether your current working is lucrative and what changes could help you utilise time and money more efficiently.
• Risky business? – explore the roles, responsibilities and risks involved in the different options for your development.
• The next step – decide what you want to consolidate and what you want to change in order to move your business forward.

What You'll Get Out of It
Reassurance, clarity, confidence and greater understanding of how to progress the next stage of your business.

Who'll Be Delivering the Session
Carol Sinclair, Edinburgh Adviser, Cultural Enterprise Office. Carol has been working within the creative industries for the last 20 years, combining running her own ceramics practice with delivering business support and training for a range of cultural enterprises. She is a ceramics graduate of Grays School of Art in Aberdeen and has 14 years experience of running her own studio and gallery in Edinburgh. Working as a business adviser and trainer for the last 10 years Carol joined the CEO team in 2005. She was a founder member of artists collective design-Ed, is a former director of Applied Arts Scotland, has been a specialist adviser for the Scottish Arts Council and is currently a member of two of the Creative and Cultural Skills Council's employers groups, Scottish and crafts. Carol is also involved in a variety of projects with organisations which support creative practitioners and most recently include Ideasmart, craftscotland and Glasgow School of Art. She is currently working with Edinburgh College of Art on a 4 year employability project supporting the development and delivery of professional practice for students.

In Other Words

“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”

“…good thought provoking stuff which will help in my future plans.”

“Financial efficiency will be my new favourite phrase”

How to Book
You'll be pleased to hear this event is free. Please contact Whitespace on 01224 523640 to reserve your place.

How to Get There:
Studio Workshop, Whitespace, 60 Frederick Street, Aberdeen AB24 5HY

Click here for a map.