A Healthy Mix? Culture, Social Enterprise and Tourism

A networking event jointly organised by HI~Arts, HISEZ, the Social Enterprise Academy and Argyll and Bute Council.

Culture-Social Enterprise-Tourism: three terms that are much in the news, and often hotly debated. But can they be brought together to serve a greater end? How might Argyll and Bute benefit from a more integrated approach to cultural tourism? Is 'social enterprise' the area where arts organisations and tourism businesses come together? Do the arts and heritage fit comfortably under the single banner of 'culture'? Where do Gaelic, and environmental issues, fit into the picture?

We don't claim to be able to offer answers to all these questions, but we do hope to offer an opportunity to learn more about each sector, to share experiences, and to hear about some of the forms of support that are out there.

Speakers will include representatives from HISEZ, and the the Social Enterprise Academy, and from cultural organisations in Argyll and Bute, as well as a guest speaker focusing on Cultural Tourism themes.

The Programme

12.00     Introductions and Welcome

Lindsay Dunbar of HISEZ—What are the characteristics of an effective social enterprise?

Cultural Tourism: Susan Garnsworthy (former Director of Dumfries and Galloway Arts)—Doing Cultural Tourism on a regional scale—what works and what doesn’t

Argyll Soap Box:  five minutes each from voices from the arts, heritage and social enterprise sectors

Discussion led by David Bryan of the Social Enterprise Academy: getting to know each other’s sectors; exploring what’s required in terms of leadership and management to be a successful social enterprise.

Break

Robert Livingston of HI~Arts: The Bigger Picture: what’s changing nationally and across the Highlands and Islands, including the opportunities presented by Creative Scotland’s programme for 2012 and 1014

Brian Swinbanks and Mhairi Killin: a new cultural organisation for Mull

Discussion: Can we all work together more effectively? If so, what are the next steps?

16.00     Finish

‘A Healthy Mix?’ is a FREE event, and a light lunch will be provided.  However, places are limited, so advance booking is required (maximum 2 persons per organisation).

To book, go to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2118591765

Also in the Mix:

We will be able to link live through Video conference facilities from Rothesay, Dunoon and Tiree and now also Islay.  Places in these locations are limited, so please get in touch if you would like to book one.

HI~Arts is able to offer 5 travel bursaries of £50 each for anyone based in Argyll and the Islands, who would need to stay overnight in order to attend, and who can’t use one of the Video Conference links.

There will be an opportunity for ‘one-to-one’ sessions with many of those speaking at the event, from HI~Arts, HISEZ and SEA, and others, both immediately after the event, and the following morning, 28th September.  Full details will be announced with the full programme, but please register your interest now.

Lastly, we can offer space for one or more ‘fringe’ meetings either immediately before, or straight after, the main event. If you are interested in sharing an idea or a topic with other attendees, get in touch and we’ll see what can be arranged:

For all of these additional opportunities, please email  info@hi-arts.co.uk