We have had so many letters and comments, hints and tips on how to improve NEOS, we are sorry that we cannot reply to each one individually but hope that the below may answer most of these. We have also created a "making the most of your open studios" pdf for you to download.

"What are the dates for NEOS2011?"

Dates for NEOS2011 are confirmed as 10^th-18^st September 2011.

On-line registration are available from March 2011 [TBC] and the closing during April 2011.

"Could we please get catalogues earlier than August?"

We want to create a buzz before the event and releasing the brochures six weeks before this helps us do this. Also the time between the closing date for applications and getting back the brochures from the printers is very tight. Also, this year we were still waiting for cheques and images for applications 4 weeks after the closing date.

"Why no posters?"

In past years we have produced posters and have had boxes left over after the event. This year we decided to reduce the amount of marketing materials and use the money to improve the brochure.

"Could posters be available on-line to down load?” and “Could we run a design competition in the format of local French town adverts"

We produced a suite of blank NEOS branded posters in various formats (Pdf, Word, PowerPoint) so participants can download and customise, NEOS materials are currently being designed and produced - so please visit the Downloads page for more information

"There should be more outlets for the brochures in Aberdeen City"

Absolutely. However, we have heard of some good examples. Books and Beans in Belmont St had them on their tables and were pointing people to the Belmont Cinema to collect their own copies. It is up to us all to use our own contacts to do the same. We have got the brochures in every Tourist Information Centre in the NE also the libraries, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Belmont Cinema etc.

"People kept expecting to pay for the brochures"

That is a nice problem to hear about. We have implemented the word “free” on the cover now!

"Could the dates be changed to May/June earlier in the NE tourist season?"

We are becoming a fixture in the events of the NE calendar. The present date and the yellow signs help us in this as it prompts people’s memories. Also, we have heard from other Open Studios that they have changed dates and confused the public.

"There is no local publicity"

Local publicity is best carried out by participants in their local area. Newspapers are more likely to do a story if it has a local angle. Also, locals know the best B&B’s, hotels, surgeries, vets, shops, dentists etc to put the brochures in to. Again, its up to us all to promote NEOS.

From the feedback of participants in 2008 - only 22% sent out "more than 100" invites to people - as we've always said, NEOS is not a promotional company, it is not responsible for the promotion of each individual entrant - and has a limited budget for "general" advertising. NEOS needs the advocacy and promotion from every participant if we are to grow and become embedded in the public's mind as one of the best ways to experience art and craft in the North East of Scotland.

"Would it be possible for venues to be numbered and artists and makers at their venue given the venue number?"

A difficult question... "group shows" are an excellent way of not only drawing a bigger audience (killing birds with stones is the horrible metaphor!) - but it is also an exceelent way of networking with other artists.

To create a single entry number for a venu that has multiple entrants would be unfair for the individuals. We would also want to promote that groups who do show "under one name" - perhaps to save money are also missing out on the opportunity a single entry in the catalogue provides - year round representation as a creative practitioner in the North East of Scotland.

Many participants see NEOS as simply a 10 day event - when, in fact, it is one of Scotlands most comprehensive and professional arts listings.

"Would it be possible to group venues into areas?"

This is something we have done in a previous year. We found it really difficult because of the divisions of the areas. Two galleries can be a short distance apart but in different areas. Also, because of the lack of local knowledge two galleries can be very close together but have no connecting roads. I’m sure this could be made to work but due to a lack of time and resources we’re not able to spend the time on it. If anybody feels that they can help us with this they would be welcomed with open arms.