HIE's arts strategy

HIE sees arts development as part of its overall development remit. The value of the arts lies in:

  • Social and cultural benefits - through population retention, reinforcement of identity and enhancement of confidence.
  • Economic benefits - through marketing, expenditure, employment, tourism and inward investment.
  • Intrinsic benefits - all civilised societies recognise the intrinsic value of the arts and seek to promote their health and growth. 

There is a very wide range of artistic activity in the Highlands and Islands, from traditional music playing and local combined arts festivals to visits by professional performers to remote communities, and international symphony orchestras at the 800-seat Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. Much of this development has been relatively recent, and there is an increasing appreciation in the area of the social, cultural and economic benefits which the arts can bring.

HIE's involvement is based upon the belief that in the Highlands and Islands, culture, community and economy are intertwined and if the overall strategy for enterprise development in the area is to succeed, it is important that the potential role of the arts is understood and that this potential is realised.

Our arts strategy

Five basic principles guide HIE's strategy for the arts, culture and development. They are:

  • Encourage the widest possible participation in the arts by individuals, groups, communities and the area as a whole.
  • Encourage the highest possible quality in professional and amateur arts activities within and outwith the area.
  • Encourage the widest possible recognition of the value of the many cultures present in the Highlands and Islands.
  • Endeavour to listen to the expressed wishes of the community in matters of arts development and, wherever possible, to respond.
  • Develop and reinforce the social and economic case for the benefits of a healthy and expanding arts sector.

A number of specific objectives flow from these principles. These cover:

  • Arts forms: drama, music, art and design, architecture, video, film, broadcasting, dance, literature and publishing, combined arts and festivals, and Feisean nan Gaidheal.
  • Issues: venues and galleries, local promoters, performing arts touring, Gaelic arts, access to the arts, community arts, youth arts, education, marketing and business sponsorship.