Music Matters has been arranged by local music organisations to bring together all those interested in improving the conditions for arts, culture and music in Lochaber.  Music Matters takes place on Saturday 26 November 2005 at the Nevis Centre in Fort William.

ARTS FAIR ~ Presentation by local arts groups
PLANS AND PROPOSALS ~ what's happening, and what can we make happen?
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS ~ between the Public, Private and Voluntary Sector
MUSICAL INTERLUDES AND CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
FREE ENTRY for ALL ~ CRAFT TABLES £5

THE PROGRAMME

'Music Matters' is relevant for all arts practitioners, groups and providers in Lochaber but focuses primarily on music in the community. ~

9.30 - 10.15 Coffee and registration
10.15 Welcome address
10.25 Keynote address
Culture and the strengthening of communities -
Geoff Fagan, the CADIPSA Project, Strathclyde
University.
10.45 Music Matters in Lochaber -
a local authority perspective - John Hutchison (Lochaber Area Manager)
Open discussion led by NPP partners
11.30 Coffee
11.45 Community music provision
a Northern Periphery perspective
Duncan Kemp - Storuman, Sweden
Jan Erik Lund -Mosjøen, Norway
12.45 Lunch
13.45 Cultural Community Business - as you've never heard it before! Håkan Björk, Finland
Community business - A sustainable future for Lochaber music makers? - open discussion
14.30 Practical inspiration - venue transformation with <Slight> . Ideas for promoters, hall committees, etc
Venue Management - the Highland way
Duncan MacInnes, Promoters Arts Network
15.45 Summary - the way forward?
16.00 Tea

FRINGE EVENTS

A CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET
will be run in parallel to the Arts Action Day - an opportunity for Lochaber craft workers, food producers and artists to showcase their produce in the run up to Christmas. Book your table space for only £5 for the day.

ARTS FAIR
Space for all Lochaber arts organisations and community groups to advertise their work. ~ Book your display space - no charge

VENUE WORKSHOP
Inspirational 'venue transformation' workshop, with useful ideas for transforming your venue for events and special occasions.
<Slight> - a company formed by two Glasgow School of Art graduates with a reputation for creating amazing venue designs, from dressing small spaces at very low cost, to the mammoth outdoor Storr event on Skye this year. Come and be inspired!

FOYER MUSIC
There will be informal music around the foyer during the day from local musicians.
A buffet lunch will be provided free of charge for participants in the usic Matters forum.
Please see over for details of cultural events around Lochaber over the weekend.

MUSIC MATTERS is organised by LOCHABER NORTHERN PERIPHERY PROJECT PARTNERS (Lochaber Community Wind Band, Lochaber Fèisean, Lochaber Music School, Lochaber Pipe Band)