Highland micro-network
Establishing the Highland Micro-Network
The Highland micro-network was established in March 2023. Its founding members were: Applecross Village Hall, Ardross Village Hall, Cromarty Arts Trust, Eden Court Highlands, Nairn Community Centre, and Resolis Community Arts.
The Touring Network provided £20,000 of financial assistance, as well as personalised support and advice throughout.
The purpose of the Highland micro-network
The Highland micro-network set out to bring a localised cluster of promoters together to programme a series of tours. When venues operate as a micro-network, they help to ensure that:
- live performances are better routed and more sustainable
- arts venues and village halls can take risks and book performances they might not normally programme, because of increased efficiencies in resource use and expertise
- performers are encouraged to spend more time in each area, allowing for engagement with schools and community groups, further contributing to the local economy
The tours
Between March 2023-August 2024 the Highland micro-network jointly booked three tours. Theatre, music and dance genres were respresented, and a total of 15 shows took place across Highland micro-network venues.
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Gold! by Stafford Collett
A comedy filled with 80s music, featuring Kate Stafford and Nicholas Collett as Julie and Dave, a middle-aged couple who find themselves in a very sticky situation.
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Frankie Morrow
Scottish indie quintet playing fresh, riotous rock songs.
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Alice in VR Wonderland by Jasmin Vardimon
Immersive, re-imagining of Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale using a VR headset and 3D surround sound.
The micro-network becomes self-sustaining
The Highland micro-network has continued to operate independently, now that funding from The Touring Network has ended.
They have expanded their membership, working as a collective of 11 venues.
This video highlights the impact the micro-network approach had on the original six venues.
Supporting the Green Arts Charter
The micro-networks initiative is part of The Touring Network’s commitment to the Green Arts Charter, a collaborative charter designed for and by cultural organisations within the Green Arts Initiative.
The charter aims to inspire, support and provide a framework for cultural organisations in the Green Arts Initiative to deliver the climate action needed to achieve transformational change in the sector.
Micro-networks support less 'one-off' dates, meaning a reduction in emissions, less admin and costs for performers and a supportive network for the people booking shows, who are often volunteers.