In 1991 the newly-formed HIE organised a ground-breaking conference on the Social and Economic Impact of the Arts in the Highlands and Islands. Almost two decades on, and following the agenda that emerged at that conference, the cultural landscape of the area has grown beyond recognition.

Chris Higgins, head of culture and the third sector at HIE comments: "Much has changed in the 20 years since HIE organised its first conference to explore the social and economic importance of the arts to the region. Many parts of the Highlands and Islands now have access to levels of cultural and artistic provision undreamt of in 1991.

"Artists and cultural companies in the area are achieving national and international success. A report discussed then indicated that £1.34m was generated by visitors to cultural events. Visitor expenditure for Highland 2007 was £6.1m."

He added: "Faced with the prospect of shrinking resources we must nurture social entrepreneurship and look innovatively at models to grow creative activity in our communities. Bringing together people involved in the sector will let us ask what the creative and cultural landscape of the Highlands and Islands will look like in 2020."

The title of the upcoming conference to be held on November 13-14 is 'Old Maps and New', is the title of a Norman MacCaig poem. The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of his birth, whose heartland is acknowledged to be Assynt, in North West Sutherland.

Included in the programme will be events to mark this centenary, organised in association with the Poetry Library in Edinburgh and Top Left Corner, the literature organisation based in Assynt.

The establishment of Creative Scotland as the leading cultural agency for Scotland now offers an ideal opportunity to look to the future. Andrew Dixon, CEO (left) of Creative Scotland, will be a keynote speaker.

He commented: "The value of culture and creativity to Scotland's communities cannot be underestimated and developments in the Highlands and Islands have shown it adds socially, culturally and economically to the region. Creative Scotland will play a role in investing in 'places' around Scotland and I welcome the chance to be part of this future look at the cultural and creative strengths and sustainable models of development for the Highlands and Islands."

The conference will combine case studied, presentations, debates and commissioned papers, as well as panel discussions. 

Speakers include Willy Roe, (right) chair, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Seona Reid, (left) director Glasgow School of Art, an original 1991 conference speaker as director of the Scottish Arts Council.

November 2010 also marks the 20th anniversary of HI~Arts, the arts development agency for the Highlands and Islands, which was originally established by HIE, and whose early work was closely guided by the outcomes of the 1991 conference. HI~Arts is acting as coordinator of this event on behalf of HIE.

Booking for the conference opens on 30th August. Booking details from details of these info@hi-arts.co.uk, subject line 'conference.'