Partnership agreement will ‘revitalise’ Inverness events programme
Joint news release issued by The Highland Council and High Life Highland
Following a detailed review, The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee today agreed to appoint High Life Highland (HLH) as the Council’s arms-length charity to deliver a revitalised and refreshed events programme across the city.
Commenting on the decision, Provost and Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “I am very pleased that this proposal has been approved today. I am aware that a great deal of work and consultation has gone into bringing these recommendations before committee, and it is clear and sensible that a new model for the delivery of events will dovetail with other city projects where High Life Highland is currently involved.”
The proposals will see High Life Highland invited to act as managing agent for the full events and festivals programming across the city. The revitalised approach will see existing positive relationships between High Life Highland and the wider events sector enhanced, with the creation of the City Area Events Creative Forum.
Cllr Carmichael added: “I recognise that we are emerging from a period that has probably been the most challenging and testing for the events sector. I therefore think the time is right for a fresh and dynamic approach to have been agreed today, and one that will kick-start the events in the city, bringing families and friends back to together in as safe and secure a way as we can.”
“The new City Area Events Creative Forum will be coordinated by HLH and will consist of events promoters, providers, content creators and others involved in events and festival. The forum will facilitate consultation and discussions regarding the ongoing development of the city-wide public programme will take place as well as ensuring that other events already taking place in the city are complimented.
“Ultimately, the decision taken today will enable the events programme to be reviewed and delivered using a new model of expertise, consultation and collaboration. I am confident that as we move through and out of the challenges presented by the pandemic, the residents and visitors to the city of Inverness will welcome a new, fresh and revitalised events programme, that will appeal to many.”
Ian Ross, Chair of High Life Highland stated: “The events and festivals have both prominence and importance to the residents and visitors to the city as well as to the wider Highlands, and I am delighted that HLH has now been invited to take a lead role in the programme delivery.
“HLH’s involvement is very much in line with our charitable objectives. We are committed to the promotion of greater social inclusion and improved accessibility in all the services we deliver on behalf of The Highland Council and this will now include events and festivals, funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund.
“I am confident that HLH's expertise and knowledge of the events, festivals and cultural sectors will allow for existing, as well as new partnerships to grow and develop as the charity moves into the exciting phases of working to revitalise and reinvigorate the programme over the coming months and years.”