Gather | Connect | Inspire 2015

The inaugural GATHER | CONNECT | INSPIRE event brought together a range of creative people from Skye and beyond and provided an opportunity for them to connect with each other and a variety of creative professionals from across the U.K.

Speakers in 2015 were:

The Poundshop founder Sara Melin gave a presentation on useful design for everyday life and the importance of adapting designs to specific situations. She also ran a workshop called, Design Around a Situation, which was not about creating new products but about rethinking existing ones, and setting your own mark on them.

Future Positive Studio founders Jakub Michalski and Igor Termenon presented on how to get the most out of online content and ran a workshop advising you how produce the right content for the right platform.

Highland Print Studio studio manager, John McNaught, offered advice and guidance about printmaking and photography, and gave an overview of the facilities available at the Inverness organisation.

Colin McPherson and Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert from the photography collective Document Scotland gave a presentation about the work of the collective and the role of documentary photography in capturing the history and culture of Scotland. McPherson and Sutton-Hibbert also offered one-to-one feedback and discussion sessions with photographers.

Luke Collins of LUX Scotland gave a presentation on the ethos and remit of LUX in showcasing and promoting artists’ moving image. Collins also offered one-to-one feedback with participants about their moving-image and film projects – giving advice on funding streams and professional support networks available.

Hot Tap Media‘ director, Rebecca Thompson, explored the world of crowd funding and offered one-to-one’s for anyone who was interested in running, or planning to run, a crowdfunding campaign.

Recipients of the Skye and Lochalsh Talent Development Initiative were also invited to give short presentations on the development of their work; Emma Noble, a printmaker and designer based in Kyle of Lochalsh, Heather McDermott a jeweller based in Sleat, Suzy Lee a filmmaker based in Portree, and Leighton Jones, a musician based in Galtrigill. Leighton also performed during the evening event with cellist, Susan Appelbe.