Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is continuing to support the development of the arts across the region by awarding a new funding package to HI-Arts, the body set up to drive forward development in the sector.  

HIE set up HI-Arts in 1991 and has recently renewed its commitment to them with funding of £168,000 for special arts and cultural development projects as well as the £104,000 previously agreed for mainstream activities and running costs.  The Scottish Arts Council (SAC) also provides ongoing funding for HI-Arts.

Robert Livingston, director of HI-Arts, welcomed the funding.  He said: "HI-Arts has enjoyed a very successful year.  Just three months after its launch in June 2003 our Internet Arts Journal won the 'public sector' category in the UK Broadband Britain Challenge - both in the Scottish and UK finals.  The journal is now an invaluable source of information on the arts sector of the Highlands and Islands, from the Isle of Arran up to Shetland.

"The arts play a particularly important role in remote areas where cultural events and activities such as Screen Machine, Feisean and touring arts productions can make a significant contribution to the quality of life."

HI-Arts has several priorities for the coming year including the launch of the new 'Screen Machine 2', continuing the delivery of mobile cinema services to remote communities across the Highlands and Islands.  The National Crafts website will be launched in June, in association with SAC.  Also planned is the launch of a Highlands and Islands wide online box office ticketing service and the establishment of creative media 'hubs' in five youth and community centres throughout the Highland Council area fitted out with a wide range of music related equipment.

David Smillie, HIE's head of culture said: "The arts are very important to the Highlands and Islands, both socially and economically.  HI-Arts continuing work to sustain a vibrant arts scene plays an important part in enhancing the quality of life for people living in the Highlands and Islands which in turn helps to retain people in rural areas - one of our key priorities at HIE.

"The arts industry is a key component in helping us achieve our Strengthening Communities aims and objectives.  But also those of Developing Skills and Growing Businesses via projects such as music industry training or the development of creative industries projects with great spin-off benefits in terms of commercial opportunities and employment."

Caroline Docherty, head of planning and area development at the SAC said: "HI-Arts continues to deliver innovative and pioneering arts services which are at the forefront of arts development not only in rural areas but nationally."