Applied Arts Scotland (AAS) is hosting a series of informal networking evenings at different locations around Scotland, following on from their very successful “Exchange” evening at Edinburgh College of Art in October 2003 and “Exchange” conference at The Lighthouse in January 2004. It is hoped that these events will enable makers to meet and exchange ideas, contacts and opportunities. The AAS “Exchange” Evening in Inverness will be on 26 February at the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel, Ness Bank, Inverness.

AAS is the only artist led organisation with knowledge, skills and expertise in Scottish contemporary crafts. It exists to promote excellence and raise the profile of applied arts in Scotland.

AAS is delighted to welcome Design-ED, a makers initiative based in Edinburgh, to talk about their experiences of collaborative working and the support network they have built up over the last 2 years. The Scottish Artist Union will talk about its work as the only Union representing visual and applied artists in Scotland.

The format for the evening is as follows:

• Arrive/register  6.00 pm
• Speakers 6.30 - 7.15
• Question time 7.15 - 7.45
• Networking 7.45 - 8.45

The evening is free to attend and is sponsored by Applied Arts Scotland, HI~Arts and the Scottish Artist Union.

Places are limited, so please let them know immediately by telephone or e-mail if you would like to attend. To confirm attendance or find out more about the  Exchange 2004 programme, please contact the AAS office on 0141 572 1835 (Mondays only or leave a message) or e-mail office@appliedartsscotland.org.uk