Network Development - Background

In Nov 2001, members agreed to take the opportunity of additional funding for the sector, on offer from SAC and HIE, to create a fixed term post of Theatre Network Development Officer.

The role of the development officer is to work on behalf of the Highland Theatre Network to develop mechanisms and structures, and access sources of funding, which will ensure a more stable and viable environment for the creation and presentation of professional theatre in the Highlands and Islands.

The overall aims of the development officer are to -
• Improve perceptions, in the Highlands and externally, of the work of Highlands and Islands theatre companies, through new marketing initiatives, better branding, media awareness, and liaison with promoters, audiences, and funding bodies

• Research, and where appropriate prepare applications to, new sources of, and new opportunities for, funding for both the Network and its members

• Develop structures for collaborative working between companies, especially where such structures will result in cost savings, or access to new sources of funding

• Build better relationships on behalf of the Network and its individual members with both Highland and external promoters, and with other agencies which might form partnerships with Network members (eg Social Inclusion Partnerships, Education Services, etc)

• Promote actions and opportunities which would lead towards a greater consolidation of professional theatre in the area, through learning and training opportunities for young people and adults (eg liaison with Eden Court Activators, the Highland Council Education Department, and the University of the Highlands and Islands)
 
At a recent meeting held in Inverness (20 Feb 2003), core members discussed the development of the network and the co-ordinator's role.

OVERALL OUTCOMES EXPRESSED -

1. A smaller core network group should be initiated so that meetings can be held more regularly
2. The network development officer's post should be split into 2 part-time posts (one developmental, one administrative)
3. A wider INFORMAL forum should be launched where all sectors of the drama and dance community could have an involvement (including the community drama, amateur dramatics, youth theatre sectors etc)
4. European funding sources should be continued to be pursued and application(s) submitted by Sept 2003
5. Further research should be undertaken in support of the proposed deaf/blind project
6. The online e-forum that was set up is now closed and has been replaced by a HITN  e-group list - if you wish to join this please contact stuart@hitn.co.uk  

At the meeting held in Ullapool (8/9 Feb 2002), members discussed the role of the network officer in more depth and, consequently, the way forward for Highland Theatre and the network.

OVERALL OUTCOMES EXPRESSED AT NETWORK MEETING FEB 2002 –

1. The development officer’s post should be extended to a minimum of 2 years (achieved)
2. The Highlands & Islands Producer’s fund should be doubled (to £80,000)  (achieved)
3. The development officer should take on a lobbying role and investigate sources of funding from Europe
4. The network should meet more often, and should meet for a longer period of time, for example two days over a weekend
5. The network should avoid pigeonholing and encourage cross-collaborations
6. The network should address the Scottish Executive's Cultural Strategy
7. The overall aim should be to raise the profile of the work of the Network which should be seen as an asset to the area. This should include events such as showcases

THE WAY FORWARD
It was felt that the Highlands and Island Theatre Network should continue to have a wide remit, covering general Highland-wide issues and problems, and at the same time, act as a central source of information for both Network members and the general public. This will result in the provision of a useful service for information, marketing, publicity, promotion, collaboration and partnership purposes.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NETWORK & NETWORK OFFICER

1. Investigating and sourcing new funding, with a particular emphasis on European funding
2. Acting as a representative for the network and the companies who are members by having a presence at conferences, market days etc
3. Improving communication between members and outside organisations by setting up an internet forum group (now closed and replaced by a HITN e-group list ) - to join contact stuart@hitn.co.uk  
4. Continuing to be an information providing mechanism by providing documents like useful funding schemes, directory of theatre specialists and a network promotional leaflet
5. Continuing to publicise the work of the Network through local and national press and by producing an exhibition/display
6. Discuss branding the Highlands and Islands Theatre Network with an identifiable logo
7. Developing the idea of a  Highland theatre ‘season’ or a ‘Festival of Highland Theatre’

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