Artsplay Highland has been running a series of projects since September 2007, including an intergenerational one, Melody, Rhythm and Rhyme for under Fives and a pilot in storytelling with nurseries. Now in its sixth year, the organisation is looking to develop its remit based on informed practice, research, and evaluation of previous work.

Awarded funding by the Scottish Arts Council to improve its membership and website, we hope to bring a unique service to the fore in the Highlands and beyond. Known for collaboration, instigating creative community arts projects and direct networking, Artsplay Highland provides an essential voluntary sector service in the area.

Our Youth Music Initiative programme, Melody, Rhythm and Rhyme has been a great success with participating under 5’s groups, teachers, carers and music tutors in Inverness and outlying areas. Planned to provide maximum training and educational experience in music learning through cultural diversity, Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly, the project runs from October 2007 to June 2008. As part of the programme, our under fives groups will be taking part in a day of performance, with their tutors in the One Touch Theatre, Inverness on Friday 30th May, which is also part of the Music Trains 08 event for that weekend.

A unique collaboration with Cairn Housing Association has allowed us to develop an intergenerational pilot in Inverness, working with 1 primary school and two residential courts. With the expertees and experience of Bob Pegg, storyteller, and Joanne Kaar, visual artist, children and older people shared stories. Books and a website are now dedicated to the project, and Artsplay Highland hopes to continue with this work over the coming months in the Inverness area.

We have continued to work closely with the childcare sector providing workshops to after school clubs and wrap around daycare groups, and with now new and emerging statutory sector providers in nursery and Gaelic sectors. We aim to work across the board in terms of a culturally diverse society, with children and young people, their carers and teachers through our equal opportunities policy. Artsplay Highland is registered as a Continuous Professional Development training provider with Learning and Teaching in Scotland.

We would like to thank our funders: Scottish Arts Council, Highland Council HIE, HI-Arts, Communities Scotland, Cairn Housing for their support.

For further details please visit www.spanglefishcom/ArtsplayHighland