This work has been undertaken by two arts development specialists, Rosie Somerville and Sue Pirnie, overseen by a steering group made up of officers of the three agencies.

Here we offer, for consideration, three documents which have been produced in the course of the research:

• An Appraisal of a range of options for practical action
• The Executive Summaries of the two detailed reports from which the options have been drawn

You are invited to comment on the three preferred options in the Appraisal in two ways:

• Join the open debate by adding your comment here on the website
• E-mail any comments/submissions for the project Steering Group to info@hi-arts.co.uk with Visual Arts in the subject line

This online consultation is open until the end of August, 2009.  During this time the project Steering Group will also be consulting with colleagues in the Scottish Arts Council, the Highland Council, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to assemble the most effective package of support possible to ensure successful delivery of the chosen option.  The Scottish Arts Council has earmarked funds to assist with the early implementation of the plans that are agreed but financial commitments beyond 2009/10 will require further consideration and discussion with the agencies noted above.

A meeting in early September 2009 in Skye will enable the project partners to gather final views on the options proposed and to provide a further update on the package of support that we hope would be put place to ensure to ensure a vibrant environment for the visual arts in Skye and the West Coast of the Highland region.  

Requests for hard copy of the full reports can be sent to info@hi-arts.co.uk.