Orkney

Client: Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Ginkgo Projects was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to research and deliver a practical strategy which builds upon the Options and Impacts report by Creative Services (Scotland) and the subsequent seminar hosted by the Pier Arts Centre, April 2011, attended by cultural representatives in Orkney, the Scottish mainland art schools and Creative Scotland. The brief set out the following requirements:

‘This brief seeks to establish the nature of the market for a study centre for the visual arts by consulting with academic institutions to determine any specific requirements and estimate their potential engagement with a centre, should it be established. In addition, the brief seeks to explore the intellectual and educational themes, based on local strengths, that would provide a core philosophy for the development of the centre. The study will define potential models for the organisational structure of the centre showing its relationship to existing and proposed developments in Orkney and academia.’

Jane McArthur and Tom Littlewood have worked closely with the project team and stakeholders to develop a tangible outcome to convert aspiration into reality building.

This strategy details a rationale and a delivery model for the establishment and realisation of an Arts Research Lab for Orkney (ARLO). The strategy seeked to identify mutually beneficial collaborations and partnership opportunities between Orkney organisations, Scottish mainland art schools and associated institutions. It proposed that these would be tested, refined and evaluated through a practical two-year pilot project to be implemented in time for the academic year 2013-2014.
A proposed delivery method is also detailed along with a funding strategy, outline costs and key targets to be achieved during the pilot.