The Forbidden Planet International Blog Log

The BBC website reports that the Hi-Ex comics convention held for the last two years in the heart of the incomparably beautiful Scottish Highlands has secured some funding from the Highland Council. I know organisers Rich and Vicky have been campaigning hard with the authorities, pointing out the event’s success in bringing in audiences and creators to the area, with subsequent economic and cultural benefits, as well as related outreach programmes, notably with schools, to make the event a part of the community as well as stimulate kids’ interest in the medium and in the creative arts, never a bad thing (it probably helps that they can point out how many fellow Scots writers and artists can boast international success in the medium).

(artwork for the 2010 Hi-Ex convention by Declan Shalvey)

I’m sure many of our readers will know first hand how hard it can be to obtain grants and funding for any artistic project, let alone one based on comics, so I think its a bit of a triumph to secure such funding and it speaks highly of the success this young comics festival has created and the work that’s been put into it. Rich and Vicky posted a press release to update us on the latest developments:

“Eden Court theatre in Inverness will, on the 27th – 28th March 2010, play host to the third Hi-Ex International Comic Convention. The first two years where such a success that we really had no choice but to do it again,’ explained organiser Vicky Stonebridge.

Co-organiser Richmond Clements said, ‘We have some very exciting guests already confirmed- among them the incredible John Higgins, Gary Erskine, Colin MacNeil,  Asia Alfasi, Alan Grant. Many more artists and writers will be coming along, as well as the popular stormtroopers from the 501st UK garrison. Keep checking the Hi-Ex website,  as we’re adding all the time. For the first time this year, we’ve had some Highland Council funding which will help us attract some great guests.’ Over the course of the weekend, visitors can expect a range of events. “Our children’s workshops have proved to be very popular, and we’re planning to run even more of them this time around,” Vicky said.

There will also be workshops for both art and writing, for adults. Tickets go on sale soon, with a special discount for early booking through the Hi-Ex website. Hi-Ex will be organising a series of outreach events in schools all across the Highlands in the run up to the weekend with support from the Highland Council. Richmond said, ‘Any school’s who want to get involved, and would like to have a visit from a writer or artist should drop us a line.’”