The University of the Highlands and Islands centre for island creativity wants to hear from creative businesses, practitioners and professionals in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides as part of research into the economic and social impact of the islands’ creative sector.

They have published a survey they would like all those involved in the creative sector to participate in. The survey is on until midnight Monday 19th of July.

To take part in the survey visit https://uhi.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pan-island-survey-of-the-creative-economy-in-shetland-ork-2. 

The findings will influence the development of the Islands Growth Deal’s ‘Creative Islands Wellbeing Programme’, which aims to establish new island-specific networks of creative practice hubs and wellbeing innovation, and which is being supported by c£6m investment from Scottish and UK Governments.

Professor Keith McIntyre, interim director at the university’s centre which is leading the survey on behalf of the Islands Deal partners said:

“Our islands are a source of inspiration for artists, designers, filmmakers and creative businesses working in so many sectors.  And it is of real importance to the development of the programme that we focus on identifying and understanding local opportunities and community priorities.

“We want to create a foundation that not only retains our talented thinkers, manufacturers, producers and creators, it also attracts imaginative entrepreneurial talent and new businesses into our Islands creative economy and beyond.

“So, if you are a designer in fashion, graphics or products or are working in TV, film, animation, games design or an artist working in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, please take a little time to take part in the survey.    By contributing you will help to provide us with the much-needed data to inform how best we invest in our future resources to grow our creative economy sustainably.”

Cllr Roddie Mackay, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, speaking on behalf of the local authority partners in the Islands Growth Deal, said:

“The proposals for investing in the creative industries sector through the Growth Deal recognises the already strong reputation of Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides as creative centres of excellence, inspired by the natural environment and rich culture of the islands, along with real opportunities we have for further growth.

“The responses to the survey will be critical to helping us find out more about the growth aspirations of creative practitioners and the support they need to achieve these ambitions”.

Orcadian artist Martin Laird’s award winning animation about the suffragist movement in Orkney