Applied Arts Scotland (AAS), the independent national organisation devoted exclusively to serving the crafts in Scotland, has restructured and is now offering a selection of new services for individuals and organisations in applied arts via subscription.

Over the last 12 months the role and structure of AAS has been under review and at the AGM held in June a series of fundamental changes in the way the organisation provides services were approved including a move away from offering a membership. 

The activities of AAS will now be driven forward by the creation of a number of distinct project teams, led by the newly appointed directors: Rosemary Watt, Chair, Arthur Milson, Secretary, Anne Orr, Treasurer, Mary Smith, Laura Hamilton, Julia Hallewell, Fiona McIntosh, James Donald  and Carol Sinclair.

In addition, AAS has moved from The Lighthouse in Glasgow to new offices at Edinburgh College of Art.

The new services will be provided on a subscription basis to any individual or organisation involved in applied arts.  These include a number of practical support mechanisms to encourage professionalism, best practice and the exchange of information.   Subscribers can select the combination of services that best suit their needs. 

The Bulletin, the AAS newsletter, will now be produced on a monthly basis, and is available for an annual subscription fee of £25.  This contains information on free 'Exchange' events and other AAS activities, crafts events, news, opportunities and special features.

The Skills Database is an innovative new way to help makers to earn a living.  Most people working within craft have a number of skills in addition to those in their chosen discipline - for example teaching, running workshops, offering design or manufacturing services, bookkeeping, writing reviews etc.  For a nominal registration fee of £10 anyone with a relevant skill can promote that talent via the database. 

This database can then be accessed by any individual or organisation, galleries, local councils, schools, architects etc.  A fee of £50 per annum is charged for unlimited access to the database, otherwise a one-off fee will be charged, proportional to the information required. 

Following on from the success of the AAS 'Exchange' Conference in January 2004, a series of 'Exchange' networking events will take place on an ongoing basis to assist those in the industry to meet and swap information and contact details. A programme of events is currently being rolled out across the country and a Highlands and Islands Roadshow will begin in autumn this year. Details about activities in your area can be obtained from AAS.   Exchange evenings are free to attend and are supported by the Scottish Arts Council, HI-Arts and other local partners.

AAS have traditionally organised a number of exhibitions and selling events, and this is still an important part of their activity.  They are currently working closely with SAC and the Crafts Council to assist research selling opportunities for Scottish craft, both home and abroad.

Further information about these services can be obtained from Applied Arts Scotland, Edinburgh College of Art, School of Design and Applied Arts, Hunter Building, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9DF or e-mail office@appliedartsscotland.org.uk