A prestigious art business based in a remote highland area is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to expand its work into promotion of other home-grown talent.
Renowned artist James Hawkins and his wife Flick, have built up a successful art studio over nearly 30 years at Rhue, north of Ullapool, in the north west Highlands. Their open studio policy has attracted many visitors to the area.
The couple, with HIE's support, now plan to put their wealth of experience to work by promoting high quality art from the Highlands and Islands.
"Having worked for 12 years with the Highland Arts Project I know the value to an artist of gaining access to important exhibitions, art fairs and partnerships. When the project came to an end I knew there was an opportunity to work closely with some of the gifted artists from this area," said Flick.
"The main thrust of our business will always be James' work, but having been there and done it, we knew there was an opportunity to help other artists reach new markets. We have identified nine artists who are either based in or have come from the Highlands and Islands, and my first aim is to research national and international opportunities which we can target."
HIE's Raine MacLennan has been working with Rhueart to create a sustainable development plan. "Rhueart hadn't really seen themselves as a key business in the local economy. Together we have been able to look at their goals and aspirations and the impact their business growth can make. Their growing reputation as a dealer promoting high quality artwork from the Highlands & Islands will establish the area and encourage more artists. The core business will grow through their increased profile and e-commerce development."
"Our work with James and Flick is representative of what HIE is about. We have worked with them on practical projects, including staging their own exhibitions in London, and we have also looked for opportunities for diversification, offering access to specialist networks and advice," she added.
Over the past two years HIE has created relationships with over 350 growing businesses and social enterprises across the region. The aim is to create development plans which will have positive outcomes for businesses and their communities.
Flick concluded: "HIE's attitude to forward thinking has made us look at what we have to offer and to think bigger. Someone supportive taking a slightly objective view of what you do encourages you to be more innovative. We have considered lots of aspects of our work from the environmental sustainability of our studio, the merits of international markets to the way in which we use our website."