One of Scotland’s leading art schools is to expand its presence in Moray to provide more research and studying opportunities.
Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have announced a commitment to invest £10million in growing the Institute of Design Innovation in Forres over the next four years.
The move will benefit around 283 students and directly support an estimated 20 new jobs and sustain a further 10 existing posts to deliver new research and teaching programmes and services to businesses, social enterprises and communities.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is today visiting the facility at Enterprise Park which opened in 2010, welcomed the investment.
“It is particularly impressive that, despite the enormous challenges the GSA has faced after last year’s fire, it is continuing to move forward with confidence,” he added.
“Working with HIE to commit such a large amount of funding to this expansion is a sure sign of a strong future.”.
Moray Council leader Stewart Cree said: “This is wonderful news for our area.
“We already have companies working in Moray, such as Hunted Cow Studios in Elgin, that are utilising digital technology and employing artists, and this can only benefit the region.
“It’s great that our young people won’t have to travel because all too often people who want to pursue a degree have to leave Moray to do so.”
HIE chief executive Alex Paterson said the initiative underlined the importance of creativity, innovation and design as drivers of Scotland’s economic development.
“Universities make a huge contribution to the success of major economies throughout the world, and this expansion of the GSA’s activities will deliver a number of valuable outcomes for our region,” he added.
GSA said it rented the building in Forres and the centre could be moved to bigger premises in the region in the future.
Reflecting on the partnership, Professor Irene McAra-McWilliam of GSA, said: “It is an opportunity to lead the way creatively in developing innovative and inclusive models of higher education, and cultivate the potential of the creative industries in the region.”