"What is Creative Perthshire?"

By Hugh Goring, Chairman of Creative Perthshire

As a gallery owner in Perth I have been very conscious that there is not such a thing as a single guide to galleries, artists and makers living and working in Perthshire. If you visit other parts of Scotland then many of them will have such a guide. This is where Creative Perthshire comes in. The organisation was started as a direct result of a study done by the department of Rural Economic Development in Perth & Kinross Council into the economic contribution of the Arts and Crafts sector within Perthshire. The study showed that this sector accounted for over £7,000,000 in turnover, add to this the fact that the study was not able to contact all artists and makers and you can see that this is a sizeable part of the local economy. The study also showed that there was a desire for an organisation that could actively promote Perthshire as a place for high quality Arts and Crafts. Thus was Creative Perthshire born.

The aims of Creative Perthshire include the production of a guide, with maps to the various galleries, makers and artists in Perthshire. A website with similar information. The design of a logo, which members can use as a mark of quality. The production of several marketing tools, to promote the members products. The ability to access funding through the group, access that individuals often do not have. The running of occasional events to showcase members work. And finally the development of an open studio event which would be promoted throughout the UK.

The organisation currently wants to increase its membership which now standing at 51. There are three types of membership: Member, Select Member and Commercial costing £20, £40 and £50 respectively. Each type of membership has particular benefits but there is not the space in this article to detail them all. Anyone interested in joining or wanting more information should contact the secretary -

Na'an Meikleour,
Poppies and Barbed Wire,
Perth Road,
Birnam PH8 0DN
Email: Click here

Important Date the public launch of Creative Perthshire is on 5th & 6th November 2005 at the new Concert Hall at Horsecross where members' work will be on display and for sale.