Highlands and Islands Arts Ltd (HI~Arts) is a company limited by guarantee and with charitable status.  It was founded in 1991 to deliver a range of  arts development and promotion roles on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). It is contracted annually by HIE, and also receives annual funding from the Scottish Arts Council as a ‘Core-funded Organisation’. The company currently employs between 10 and 15 FTE staff (depending on projects): permanent, part-time, and on contract. The Directors of the company serve in a personal capacity, and are advised by Ritsons Accountants, in the role of Company Secretary.

This is a time of significant change for the arts in Scotland, with the imminent advent of Creative Scotland, replacing HI~Arts’ current funders the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, and with major changes to the remit of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 

The Board currently consist of eight Directors:

• Andrew Bruce (Chair), Architect with HRI Architects; arts funding and policy (former Chair of two other SAC-funded organisations);  planning and development.
• David Pirnie, Management Consultant: strategic, organisation and performance reviews; change management; network & partnership development.
• Gwen Black, artist, proprietor of the Inchmore Gallery; visual arts and craft; operating a small business.
• Brian o hEadhra, Musician, co-director of the Blas festival; traditional music, creative industries, Gaelic arts.
• Donna Heddle, Head of Cultural Studies, University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute: education; Norse and Gaelic cultures; heritage.
• Iain Gordon, accountant; financial management and accounting systems.
• Jack Hoskins, Head of Drama at Culloden Academy; theatre, education.
• Sharon Blackie, Writer and co-founder of Two Ravens Press; writing, publishing, business development.

 A member of staff of Ritsons Accountants attends Board meetings as Company Secretary.

 In addition, observers are invited to attend from the following organisations: Scottish Arts Council, Highland Council, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

All Directors serve in a personal and wholly voluntary capacity (as a charity HI~Arts cannot remunerate members of the Board, although legitimately incurred  expenses are recompensed).