This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Arts cash for Highland celebrations
03/02/2006
Arts projects planning to mark Highland 2007 - the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture - are in line to receive a major cash investment, it emerged today.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson announced that the Scottish Arts Council has earmarked £750,000 to support nationwide arts projects that feature the Highland 2007 theme.
Speaking ahead of a visit to Nairn, Ms Ferguson said:
"I'm delighted that the Scottish Arts Council has recognised the importance of Highland 2007.
"This funding will allow arts groups across the country to express, through the use of language, music, poetry and art, the rich and vibrant culture of the Highlands."
Alison Magee, Chair of Highland 2007, said:
"This additional funding commitment from the Scottish Arts Council is excellent news and will give a great boost to the Highland 2007 project. There are already many exciting events planned for the year but this extra support will mean even more quality arts based projects can be assisted across Scotland.
"This will help many more people to take part in the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture and will encourage even more people to visit the Highlands during 2007 and in the years to come.
"This extra funding will also bolster our ability to provide communities with equipment grants to enhance their events in 2007 and beyond."
Graham Berry, Chief Executive of the Scottish Arts Council:
'New artists' residencies will offer communities inspirational opportunities to get involved and celebrate Highland 2007, as well as providing much-needed income for artists.
"Our support for new drama work will tell stories of the Highlands on stage and local groups will also be able to buy new lighting or sound equipment for their neighbourhood facilities, ensuring a legacy in local communities and with an invitation for new drama work to focus on Highland themes, the possibilities are exciting."
"With so much creativity happening, Highland 2007 promises to be a spectacular year-long celebration."
Highland 2007 is a partnership between three principal funding agencies: Highland Council, the Scottish Executive and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. It aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future.
For further information on Highland 2007 please call 01463 702007 or visit the website www.Highland2007.com
The Scottish Executive has committed £9.5 million towards the costs of three major building projects as part of Highland 2007. The Executive is contributing £5 million towards the costs of the Eden Court Theatre redevelopment project, £3.75 million to support a new visitor centre at Culloden, and the Gaelic College on Skye - Sabhal Mor Ostaig - will receive £750,000 in 2006/07 to support enterprise initiatives for Gaelic arts, culture and heritage and assist in the building of a Centre for Creative and Cultural Industries on its campus.