Artists in the Aberfeldy and Pitlochry area are being invited to have their say about the future of art and culture in Highland Perthshire.
The Perthshire Open Studios (POS) is asking local people to suggest what the future of the POS should be.
Now they’re inviting local people to join them at the Locus Centre in Aberfeldy this Saturday, 28th of May, between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Launching in 2008, the group hosts an annual nine-day event in September which connects local artists and guests together.
POS chair, Heather Budge-Reid explained: “So, rumours of the death of POS have been greatly exaggerated – we are not dead, we are taking time to listen to what artists want going forward, to fundraise and address the structure of POS the organisation and the event itself.
“Recent changes to our world have created a different landscape for POS – for artists and visitors alike. From technology improvements and Covid-19, to the emergence of other artist-focused events and organisations, and of course we all face environmental and financial concerns.”
They’ve already asked their members, and now they’re opening up their survey to everyone to take the chance to suggest the direction the group goes in.
One suggestion so far is that the group puts together more fundraiser events to allow for more sessions to take place more regularly.
Heather Budge-Reid added: “It is hard for people to think, consult and act for the future of POS when caught in the demanding cycle of POS events.
“The need for a tip-top website and brochure means budgeting, fundraising, sponsorship and advertising are going to have to be at the centre of the organisation in the coming years. For these reasons, there is a need for a pause in the annual routine of POS.”
“So, we have a quorate board and a group of other supporters who work together to form the POS Pause Team. We need to hear what it is that the artists of Perthshire want POS to be in 2023. We will be surveying what artists want and need in the coming months.
“POS could stay the same but with different resources, or there are different forms of Open Studio events across Scotland. There are lots of other ideas around that we could mix and match from, for example an artist’s trail or the famous Spring Fling ideas that make income easier to raise.
“With a new structure and funding to match it might be possible to support more events, with greater frequency and with wider collaborations. The aim of POS will be the same – to support Perthshire artists.”
More information about the survey can be found on: https://www.perthshireopenstudios.com/