The Space Between Us is an exhibition of poems and images by sisters Rachel Barr and Bridget Grant.
Together, they explore the impact of a glioblastoma brain tumour diagnosis.
It is a tender, honest and deeply moving body of work, and North Edinburgh Arts is proud to support it.
The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to spend time with the sisters’ work and gain a personal perspective on the experience of a glioblastoma diagnosis.
– Food & refreshments provided by our NEA Community Café
– Take a self-guided tour around the NEA building
– Take part in fun demonstrations and taster sessions
– Find out more about what’s on at NEA
– Meet local organisations and people living in your neighbourhood
– Bring your family and friends along
North Edinburgh Arts is owned by the people of North Edinburgh and is here for the long term; over 800 local people have already joined our membership scheme and are community owners of this incredible building.
Find out more about the events and activities happening at North Edinburgh Arts – have a shot at carpet bowls or riding an electric bike; or try out your crafty skills with the Knit and Natter group.
There’ll also be the chance to meet many of our tenant organisations Curious Seed, Tinderbox Collective, Flourish Jewellery, Cutting Edge Theatre, Project Esperanza, U-Evolve and more.
We want to share more about what Community Ownership means and the difference it makes. We hope you’ll join us!
Over 800 Ordinary Members, local residents aged 16 and over, have joined up so far alongside 70 youth members, and 70 Associates.
Our members are all community owners of the North Edinburgh Arts building. We are now having our first Members’ Social, and want to invite you to join us on Thursday 1 October, 6pm – 8pm!
Find out more and have your say on what’s next for the building over the next three years, enjoy a tasty bite to eat, and meet others in your community.
We’re excited about the upcoming cinema event on Thursday 8 October celebrating community football, with a particular focus on women’s football.
We’ll be screening The First Women, a beautiful documentary following the Brazilian national women’s team, a film full of inspiring characters, friendship, and community spirit.
The First Women uncovers the untold stories of the pioneering women who formed Brazil’s first national women’s soccer team. Although women were legally barred from playing soccer until 1979, these trailblazers broke barriers and represented Brazil internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, despite their achievements, they received little public recognition or reward.
Thursday 8 October
Doors open & food sharing from 5.30pm (soup & bread served)
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part in a panel discussion, or if you have photos, memories, or memorabilia to share about women and girls’ football in North Edinburgh.Email alice.betts@northedinbrugharts.co.uk
This screening is part of The Spanish Film Club series, organised by IberoDocs in collaboration with Edinburgh Council and was made possible with the support of Pragda, SPAIN arts & culture, and the Secretary of State for Culture of Spain.
North Edinburgh event brings the refugee and migration sector together to explore how narrative can influence policy, public attitudes and belonging
Over 80 organisations, practitioners and community leaders from across Edinburgh and central Scotland came together at North Edinburgh Arts on Wednesday 16 September for EVOC’s 2026 ‘New Scots Gathering: Stories That Shape Change’ event.
The fully booked event explored how storytelling and narrative can influence systems and decision-making, challenge harmful narratives about migration, strengthen public understanding and support New Scots to shape the policies and services that affect their lives.
The morning plenary considered how stories can be used as a tool to influence policy and decision maker on the issues that matter to the lives of New Scots.
This was followed by four workshops giving practical case studies from across Scotland and the opportunity for participants to learn and share together.
The afternoon was led by creative voices, exploring how the sector can tell stories that are impactful and that shape public attitudes.
The Gathering was opened by Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development; Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council; and John Hawryluk, EVOC’s Service Lead.
Minister for Equalities and International Development Simita Kumar MSP said “Public services, third sector organisations and community groups play a really important role in Scotland’s warm welcome and ongoing work to support refugees and people seeking asylum.
“I am grateful for all their efforts and contributions – here in Edinburgh and further afield. This has been a hugely valuable event, underlining the importance of collaboration to the success of the New Scots approach in continuing to support refugees, people seeking asylum and communities across Scotland now and in the future.”
Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said “I’m proud that Edinburgh remains a diverse and welcoming city. We are, after all, a city of migrants.
“Many of us are migrants or have migrants in our families. Many have lived here for generations and some of the city’s best loved institutions are thanks to those who have chosen to build their lives here.
“We all benefit from this, and our city and its culture are all the better for it – something we’re aiming to promote through our ‘Edinburgh is Our Home’ campaign.
“Unfortunately, however, with a rise in racist language, political rhetoric and hate crimes, we know that some in our communities are understandably feeling uneasy or unsafe.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to come together and challenge this harmful messaging and I’m very grateful to EVOC for organising this gathering of New Scots. It was so moving and insightful to hear their stories and perspectives first hand and I’m determined to do everything I can to make sure Edinburgh remains a place where people from across the world want to call home.”
John Hawryluk, EVOC’s Service Lead commented “The stories told about migration can shape public attitudes, services and policy.
“This third edition of the Gathering created space for organisations working alongside and with New Scots to connect policy discussion with creative practice, share what they are learning and consider how we can communicate with greater purpose and care.
“Bringing people together from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and other parts of Scotland showed the value of collaboration. We want to build on these conversations and support approaches that strengthen participation, challenge harmful narratives and help create communities where everyone can belong.”
Recorded sessions from the Gathering will be shared through EVOC’s digital channels after the event. Anyone interested in the next stages of this work can sign up to EVOC’s newsletter for updates.
We’re delighted to invite you to free Wellbeing Sessions for Women 50+ delivered in partnership with Creative Edinburgh.
Join us for one (or more!) of three upcoming wellbeing sessions this autumn, each designed by artists to offer a welcoming space to learn new skills, share experiences, and connect.
First up: Paper Weaving Workshop with Sally Price
Thursday 17 September, 10am
You may know Sally from her work across some of our much-loved projects taking place at North Edinburgh Arts: Saturday Arts & Dance, Room for Art, and Art Buds Collective, and now she’s bringing her creativity to this new workshop.
In this session, Sally will guide us through a simple yet effective paper weaving technique, playing with colour, pattern and process. Repetitive and relaxing, paper weaving keeps your hands busy and your mind focused, using a mix of papers, including recycled and hand-painted pieces, to create beautiful results.
These sessions encourage personal expression and joyful creativity, helping build confidence and a sense of wellbeing.
With November being men’s mental health awareness month we wanted to make a powerful statement in addressing it and what better way.
Frank Bruno MBE is a former WBC world heavyweight champion who has faced many challenges in boxing and with mental health and we are delighted he is going to share some of these stories with us on the night.
The evening will consist with doors opening at 6 with some welcoming refreshments (non alcoholic), a photo with Frank and then listening to Franks journey. With the evening coming to an end around 8.15.
Tickets are on sale now for all BLAST members or affiliations.
On general sale from September 18th.
Please note, tickets are limited to only 100. This is a very small and intimate event.
Please contact the FB page with any enquiries or to secure your space.
GATHER is a brand new exhibition showcasing work by artists and community members from across Edinburgh, coming together for the very first time.
As well as artwork from the other hubs, the exhibition features 21 Art for Grown Ups members showing their work, plus our community banner (still a work in progress but almost complete!) on display alongside artwork created by NEA and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre members.
This is a truly special exhibition, and we’d love for you to join us!
GATHER EXHIBITION
Opening: Friday 11 September 2026, from 4:30pm
Main Exhibition: 12 – 26 September 2026
St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE
Free. No need to book.
The Creative Community Hubs Network consists of eight partner organisations based across Edinburgh: WHALE Arts, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Granton:hub, North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Leith, The Crannie, Lyra and Craigmillar Now.
North Edinburgh Arts
Exhibition Opening Dates: 16th to 29th October
Free entry
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part in a panel discussion, or if you have photos, memories, or memorabilia to share about women and girls’ football in North Edinburgh. Email 
A healthy shared breakfast is included
For women aged 50+
