A popular Moray Arts facility that faced serious financial issues last year placing it on the brink of closure is bouncing back with a pledge of funding form Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The Findhorn-based Moray Art Centre, opened in 2007, was on the verge of closure in May 2013 when it ran into financial difficulties.
Staff numbers were cut from six to two – but a ‘back to basics’ strategy of providing courses in visual arts such as painting and drawing allowed the centre to remain in operation.
Now the centre has been able to appoint a new commercial manager.
Mariela Albornoz is a marketing expert with experience in commercial roles in Argentina, Spain, USA and in the UK. Her appointment follows months of planning by the board of directors and a pledge of funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Ms Albornoz said: “I feel immensely proud that I have been given the opportunity to lead Moray Art Centre forward into a new period of growth.”
The Art Centre director, Elaine Bailey, added: “This is an enormous step forward for us and we are incredibly grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise for making it possible.”