We have had so many letters and comments, hints and tips on how to improve next year’s NEOS event. We are sorry that we cannot reply to each one individually but hope that the below may answer most of these.

“What are the dates for NEOS'08?”
Dates for NEOS'08 are confirmed as 13-22 September 2008. On-line registration will be available from February 2008 and the closing date will be 14 April 2008.

“Could we please get catalogues earlier next year?”
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”
This sounds a great idea. We will look into this for NEOS'08. It could have a blank area to personalise it for our own venues.

“There are more outlets required 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 will look into having the word “free” somewhere on the cover.

“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.

“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.

“Would it be possible for venues to be numbered and artists and makers at their venue given the venue number?”
This sounds like a good idea and we will look into it for NEOS'08.

“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.