From 28th – 30th March, St James Quarter will play host to an enviable line-up of style talks, fashion shows, beauty masterclasses and more
Edinburgh STYLE will return to St James Quarter this March; bigger, bolder, and more stylish than ever before. Edinburgh STYLE 2025 will bring exciting new partners, including Pat McGrath Labs and W Edinburgh.
Set to be a vibrant celebration of fashion, design and creativity, guests can expect unmissable masterclasses, expert speakers, fashion shows and live entertainment.
Edinburgh STYLE weekend with W Edinburgh
For the first time, Edinburgh STYLE will offer a weekend package, with a two-night stay at W Edinburgh. The weekend tickets, with prices starting at £918, include exclusive access to STYLE workshops with industry luminaries, front row seats at two fashion shows, pop-up gigs, and a very special drinks reception with the Grazia team, plus VIP speakers and so much more. It’s the perfect gift for fashion-forward mums this Mother’s Day.
W Edinburgh guests and weekend ticket holders will be able to attend an incredible line-up of events across the three days, including talks from some of the UK’s fashion industry leaders and commentators.
Ex-American and UK Vogue contributing editor and novelist, Plum Sykes, will divulge some of her industry-leading knowledge; and Navaz Batiwalla – aka Disneyrollergirl – will discuss how style has influenced her career, from fashion editor to one of the first internationally recognised bloggers, to writing two ult-a stylish tomes.
Scotland’s own Iain R Webb, writer, curator and Professor of Fashion & Design at the renowned Kingston School of Art, will share his unrivalled insights into the evolution of fashion, trends and style.
CEO of Harris Tweed, Margaret Ann, will provide a unique insight into the Brand’s recent Dior partnership, and share how Harris Tweed Hebrides takes a design-led approach to collaboration and partnership. Timorous Beasties, Pam Hogg and more are also confirmed to share their stylish secrets across the weekend.
Alongside the activity at W Edinburgh, the Quarter’s Level 3 the Essential Edinburgh STYLE Lounge will play host to FREE workshops and masterclasses led by top industry insiders from some of the City’s most-loved fashion and beauty brands.
Because this year Edinburgh STYLE is being embraced by our neighbours at Multrees Walk and George Street, shoppers will be able to enjoy a wide range of in-store experiences at over 50 brands.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh STYLE has been a key event for St James Quarter for the past four years, continuing to evolve with additional experiences and new collaborators. We are delighted to be joined by a new line-up of partners in 2025, who will add exciting new elements, as well as having our friends from Grazia return for a third year.
“From the ultimate fashion weekend at the W Edinburgh, to amazing shopping experiences around the Quarter, through Multrees Walk and down George Street; along with fashion talks, beauty masterclasses, runway glamour and more, – what a way to welcome spring and spoil mum! STYLE is always around the Quarter.”
Download the St James Quarter app or follow on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more information on how to get involved in Edinburgh STYLE 2025.
A colourful exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from across Scotland is due to open at the National gallery on 10 May.
Your Art World encourages young people across the nation to get creative, with the opportunity of having their work displayed in Scotland’s National gallery, which is home to iconic works such as The Monarch of the Glen and works by Scottish artists including William McTaggart and Phoebe Anna Traquair.
The young people are invited to be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations. From drawings, paintings, 3-D sculptures or video – there were no limitations on what they could make.
Plus, there is still time to submit works for display! All 3-18 year olds living in Scotland are invited to send their art for inclusion in the exhibition, all you need to do is photograph their work and upload it to the National Galleries of Scotland’s online gallery, then come along to the exhibition and see their creations featured proudly on digital screens at the National! Your Art World is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative, so why not see what’s possible.
Discover physical installations created by community and school groups who have been working with the National Galleries of Scotland over the last few months. Groups involved include Redhall School in Edinburgh, Victoria Primary and Nursery in Falkirk, Oban High School and North Edinburgh’s LIFT Kids’ Club (Low Income Families Together).
The groups worked to create extraordinary displays ranging from drawings and embroideries engaging with social issues, to 3D sculptures, sensory works and vibrant abstract paintings.
Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘I’m so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland.
“The response so far has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. We can’t wait to see what else is still to come! Your Art World is incredibly important to us at the National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.
“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun. This project and exhibition truly celebrates that art really is for everyone.’
New entries will be accepted throughout the exhibition and added to the rolling display on the digital screens every month until the end of September. All submissions can be made online.
The exhibition is part of a wider Your Art World project, designed to inspire and engage young people in art. With online resources available for teachers and families, the project supports children in creative activities. By providing tools and guidance, Your Art World demystifies the creative process and invites everyone to explore and enjoy art.
New cast, musicians, and creatives announced for KELI, the debut play from Ivor Novello Award-winning composer Martin Green (Lau).
Based on personal stories from the critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series ‘Love, Spit and Valve Oil’
WORLD PREMIERE
National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions present
KELI
A play by Martin Green
Written and music composed by Martin Green
Directed by BryonyShanahan
Cast: Liberty Black (Keli), Karen Fishwick (Jayne), Olivia Hemmati (Amy/Saskia), Billy Mack (Willie Knox)and Phil McKee (Brian).
Performing Musical Director – Louis Abbott and small brass ensemble –
Stacey Ghent, Flugelhorn; Hanna Mbuya, Tuba and Karen Fishwick, Euphonium
Set and Costume Designer – Alisa Kalyanova, Sound Designer – George Dennis, Lighting Designer – Robbie Butler, Casting Director –Anna Dawson
Touring Scotland from Saturday 10 May to Saturday 14 June 2025.
Previews at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling before opening at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and touring to Dundee Rep Theatre; Perth Theatre and Tramway, Glasgow from May to June 2025.
Opening performance at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on Thursday 15 May 2025.
Best known as the virtuoso accordionist in the visionary folk trio Lau, Martin Green has spent the past two years on an odyssey deep into the world of brass bands, culminating in this staging of KELI, marking its world premiere as a stage play. Making his professional debut as a playwright, Green was inspired by conversations he had for the BBC Radio 4 series ‘Love, Spit and Valve Oil’.
KELI will feature brass band music from Green’s acclaimed album SPLIT THE AIR. Each performance will feature a live brass band performance from a leading Scottish brass band or ensemble of leading brass band players.
National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions are delighted that Whitburn band and Kingdom Brass will be part of this Scottish tour, sustaining ongoing relationships with Scottish brass bands and the communities they represent.
Whitburn Band, one of Scotland’s leading brass bands, was formed in the heart of the coal mining area of West Lothian in 1870 originally serving as an outlet for members of the mining community to perform at local parades and gala days. The Band has been Scottish Champion 22 times, competes throughout the UK and Europe, and performs regularly at major Scottish events. Recent performances include Celtic Connections and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Kingdom Brass was formed in 1999, after the amalgamation of the Cowdenbeath and the Kelty & Blairadam Bands. In the same year, the band competed for the first time at the Fife Championships and swept the boards. Since then, the band has competed locally and nationally winning numerous trophies and is established as one of Scotland’s top bands. The band performs at concerts, bandstand events, and local Gala days.
Liberty Black will play the titular role of Keli in her professional theatre debut and Karen Fishwick plays her mother Jayne. They are joined by Phil McKee as band leader Brian, Billy Mack who plays 135-year-old ex-miner and town hero Willie Knox and Olivia Hemmati playing multiple roles.
LibertyBlack is in her final year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She performs and writes music and toured the UK with a band. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland credits include: The Cosmonauts Last Message…, Uncle Vanya and Romeo and Juliet.
Karen Fishwick previously appeared in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre’s smash hit musical production which toured internationally and had a run in London’s West End. Theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Company) and 101 Dalmations (Regents Park Open Air Theatre). Karen’s screen appearances include Outlander (Sony/Starz) and Call the Midwife (BBC).
Billy Mack is an award-winning actor, previously appearing in The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil and The Enemy (National Theatre of Scotland). Recent theatre and TV/film credits include Men Don’t Talk (Genesis Theatre Company), Only Child (Happy Tramp/BBC) and On Falling (Sixteen Films).
Phil McKee has worked extensively across theatre, film and TV. Previous work with National Theatre on Scotland includes Mary Stuart and Dunsinane (National Theatre of Scotland/RSC/Royal Lyceum Theatre). Screen credits include Clash of the Titans (Gorgon Films), The Rig (Amazon) and Deadwater Fell (Channel 4).
Olivia Hemmati trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she was a finalist for the Carleton and Hobbs Award 2024. Olivia is making her professional stage debut in KELI.
The production features a brass ensemble of musicians led by Stacey Ghent on flugelhorn with Hanna Mbuya on tuba alongside Karen Fishwick on the euphonium.
Stacey Ghent is a hard of hearing actress and musician raised in South Shields. Stacey’s TV/screen and theatre credits include a role as a teacher of the deaf in Coronation Street (ITV); A Thousand Blows (Disney+); Brassed Off and Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Octagon Bolton/Theatre by the Lake, Keswick/Stephen Joseph, Scarborough).
Tuba player Hanna Mbuya is a member of Mercury-nominated 10-piece seed, Chineke! Orchestra and Nu Civilisation. Other collaborations have included those with artists
Anna Meredith, Jon Batiste and Soweto Kinch, in addition to appearances with horn sections alongside artists including Solange, Joy Anonymous and Arlo Parks. Recent work in theatre includes Richard III (2024) & Hansel and Gretel (2024) at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Performing Musical Director for KELI,Louis Abbott, is a multi-instrumentalist and singer and the songwriter for the chamber-pop band Admiral Fallow. Recent theatre work includes his role as co-musical director on the award-winning A Giant on the Bridge (Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024). As a musician, drummer, engineer and producer Louis has collaborated with some of Scotland’s finest musicians including King Creosote, Camera Obscura and Eddi Reader.
“The skill, the craft, is in controlling the pressure.”
KELItells the story of a fiery, sharp-witted teenager in a former mining town. Coal means little to Keli, but the mines left music in the blood of this place.
As the best player her brass band has ever had, music is easy. Everything else is a fight. Feeling trapped in small-town life, pressure mounts.
When the chance to change everything arises, can Keli keep a lid on it all?
Marking 40 years since the miners’ strikes and featuring a sharp, hilarious script and live brass score by Ivor Novello winner Martin Green, KELI is a gripping show about community, creativity, and the power of music.
Touring Scotland in 2025, the show will reach audiences across the country who belong to communities that were hugely affected by the miners’ strike of 1984-85.
Green’s journey began by chance near his home in Midlothian. Following a poster advertising ‘BRASS IN THE PARK’, he discovered a self-sustaining world of music-making that – like the folk tradition – had retained its social function and was part of the warp and weft of the communities that performed it.
The fictional play has evolved from the critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series Love, Spit and Valve Oil which explored the phenomenon of modern brass banding and featured interviews with members of brass bands. These interviews have inspired aspects of the characters in the play. In 2022 KELI was commissioned by The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh as a three-part audio drama.
“KELI is a hard story about the limitations placed on working-class lives, capturing teenage desperation, depression and fulfilment through music…forces of dialogue, music and folklore harmonise to a riveting final episode.” The Guardian (on the audio drama, KELI)
Martin Green is a multi-award-winning musician and Ivor Novello winning composer. As a member of Lau, he has won four BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Group an unprecedented four times. In 2014 he received a Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Artists in recognition of his talent as a composer. In 2019 he won the Ivor Novello award for his large-scale installation Aeons that was part of The Great Exhibition of the North.
Most recently Martin has gone on to create critically acclaimed work for BBC Radio 4 exploring different communities all over the UK and their relationship with music. These have reached millions of listeners and been highly commended by Association of International Broadcasters.
Martin shared the stage with Whitburn Band as part of Celtic Connections at Tramway in early 2024 – “a profoundly moving affair” ***** The Scotsman.
Martin is the Artistic Director of Lepus Productions, who are co-producing KELI with National Theatre of Scotland, marking the first time the companies have collaborated.
Bryony Shanahan directs, marking her NTS debut. Previously Bryony was Joint Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, and most recently directed the acclaimed, Same Team – A Street Soccer Story for the Traverse Theatre. Other notable productions include Bloody Elle (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Soho Theatre and West End) and also for the Royal Exchange Theatre, No Pay? No Way! Beginning, Let The Right One In, Nora: A Doll’s House, Wuthering Heights, Queens of the Coal Age, Weald, and Nothing.
Martin Green, writer and composer, said: “To be making KELI with National Theatre of Scotland and Bryony Shanahan forty years on from the Miners’ Strike, feels absolutely right; an incredible team of visionary people. Perfect.”
Bryony Shanahan, director, said: “My introduction to this project was that it was about a 17-year-old called Keli – foul-mouthed, hilarious and a virtuoso flugelhorn player – who finds herself in a disused coal mine with a 150-year-old Marxist miner after the strangest night of her life.
“Oh, and that it features a live brass band. I was in! I am so thrilled to be working with National Theatre of Scotland, Lepus and Martin Green to bring KELI to life.
“It’s a story about community, legacy and above all, music and I can’t wait to invite audiences into Keli’s remarkable world and heart.”
KELI was developed with National Theatre of Scotland and The National Theatre, London’s Generate programme and was originally commissioned as an audio drama by The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. BothKELI andSPLIT THE AIRwere developed with the support of Creative Scotland and The Space.Development of KELI was also supported by Freedom Festival, Hull. The music forKELI, Split the Air, was originally commissioned by PRS Foundation for the New Music Biennial at The Southbank Centre, and UK City of Culture.
Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (preview Sat 10 May); Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (previews Tues 13 to Wed 14 May) Thurs 15 to Sat 17 May; Dundee Rep Thurs 22 to Sat 24 May; Perth Theatre Wed 4 to Sat 7 June; Tramway, Glasgow Wed 11 to Sat 14 June 2025.
On social: #KELI
Access info: There will be audio described, captioned performances and touch tours in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Glasgow. There will also be integrated BSL interpreted and chilled performances on offer. All performances will be autism-friendly.
Theatre for a Fiver tickets are also available for 14-to-26 years and those on low-income benefits at the venues above.
On Saturday 15 February, Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder, will be sharing all she has learnt about the power of creativity at her talk The Benefit of Books at the Fruitmarket Gallery’s annualArtists’ Bookmarket.
The talk is free to attend, tickets can be booked HERE.
Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder said: “I’m excited to attend the Artists’ Bookmarket – it’s the social highlight of my year – a fantastic event to see inspiring work, familiar faces and new innovations is the artist’ book world- reconnecting with my tribe!
“After twenty-seven years of using the book as a creative medium, this talk distils what why and how books are so great.
“I’m passionate about sharing the art of bookbinding with others and hope to inspire them to create something, in whatever form, that brings relaxation and mindfulness.”
Based between Edinburgh and the Hebridean Isle of Iona, Rachel has explored and taught this ancient craft of bookbinding all over the world, and her talk will explore the physical, mental, practical and emotional impact practising the artform can have. Whether as a meditative process or a means of self-expression she will share how bookbinding nurtures well-being and personal growth and can be a key tool in pursuit of mindfulness.
Rachel’s approach to bookbinding puts a modern spin on the artform, and at the workshops she hosts across the world – from Shetland to Venice – she encourages participants to take inspiration and materials from their unique surroundings and incorporate them in their work.
Whether that’s driftwood for the cover, or maps for the pages, nothing is off the table when it comes to making it a part of your bound story.
Rachel’s fine craftmanship has made her a sought-after figure in the world of bookbinding, artistry, and wellness and she has featured in publications including Condé Nast Traveller, the Financial Times, Selvedge and The Simple Things.
In 2024 she published a book of photos of her daily swims, taken on Iona during lockdown. Today’s Changing Room featured in The Scotsman among others. All the proceeds go to the mental health charity BlueTonic.
As teacher, author and traveller, books, words and the power of imagination have always been central to Rachel’s life and the day she was taught how to make her first book; she knew she’d be a bookbinder for the rest of her life. Hear a bit about her story and how and she believes that everyone has a book inside them.
What: Rachel Hazell: ‘The Benefit of Books’ at Artists’ Bookmarket 2025
Edinburgh Napier University celebrated student films from around the world at the inaugural Napier Student Film Festival, held from 13 – 15th November 2024.
The event brought together student filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts in a dynamic celebration of creativity and storytelling through the art of filmmaking.
Award Winners:
Best Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University)
Best Documentary: “New Town” by Campbell Anderson (Northern Film School)
Best Animation: “Someone Else’s Story” by Michal Lustig (Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem)
Best International Film: “Son of Happiness” by Dominik Mirecki (Warsaw Film School)
Best Napier Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University)
Evans Eghan, President of Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA), said: “The Napier Student Film Festival is more than just a platform for showcasing student films; it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth.
“By bringing together filmmakers, academics, and industry professionals, we aim to foster a community where emerging talents can thrive and build connections that will shape their future careers.”
The festival, organised by ENSA, featured an array of engaging activities, including:
A masterclass on “Film as Therapy” facilitated by Dr Amy Beddows, exploring the transformative power of storytelling in fostering mental health and well-being.
An industry panel discussion on “How to Get a Job in Film”, offering valuable insights into career pathways within the creative sector and connecting students with industry leaders.
Film screenings. A total of 25 films were shortlisted out of over 200 entries from talented student filmmakers from different universities across the UK and globally. The line-up of film screenings also included 4 films from students at Napier’s international partner universities.
Networking opportunities, fostering connections between emerging filmmakers, departments within the university, and industry professionals.
The festival culminated in an exciting awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in student filmmaking.
The events not only highlighted the immense talent of student filmmakers but also encouraged collaboration across departments and with external partners. Attendees and participants offered resounding praise, commending the festival’s impact on fostering talent, creating networking opportunities, and elevating the role of film in education and community building.
Looking ahead, the festival aims to become a cornerstone event within the university and the wider Edinburgh community. Plans for future editions include expanding the festival’s reach, enhancing collaborations with local creative industries, and positioning Edinburgh Napier as a leading institution for nurturing creative talent.
Creative Scotland is pleased to announce the Open Fund for Individuals will reopen for applications at 2pm on Tuesday 8 October, following confirmation of release of the necessary budget from the Scottish Government.
By the time the fund closed on Friday 30 August, Creative Scotland received an additional 819 applications totalling £11.9 million in requested funding. As the fund prepares to reopen, we will be in touch with all applicants who submitted before the closure to advise them of their options.
Updates to the Open Fund for Individuals
The Open Fund for Individuals has been under increasing pressure. Since 2019, applications have more than doubled – from 628 to 1,395 in 2022/23, with funding requests increasing by £7.8 million to £21.2 million.
Notably, there has been a 42% increase in requested funding in the past year alone. However, during this same period, Creative Scotland’s budgets have remained at the same level, making this growth unsustainable.
To help address this, Creative Scotland is revising the Open Fund for Individuals to better meet the growing demand.
Updates will include the maximum award amount reducing from £100,000 to £50,000 and decision timescales extending by two weeks.
The updated guidance will be published on Tuesday 8 October.
Guidance for both funds and application questions will be available from this Thursday – 19 September.
Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland said: “We recognise the time and effort that goes into applying for funding and know how vital these funds are for the sector.
“We understand how challenging recent events have been and sincerely thank everyone for their continued efforts in highlighting the value of culture and creativity.”
Join us for an exciting new Dramatherapy group starting next Wednesday 18 September. Block one explores the theme of ‘origins’ over 6 weeks and provides a safe space for you to explore what this theme means to you, using a range of creative techniques.
Cottrell-Boyce pledges to address ‘invisible privilege and inequality’ within books and reading
Announces summit plans to ‘make people with power properly listen and take action’
Marks 25th anniversary of role as foremost representative of children’s literature
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the multi award-winning author and screenwriter, has been crowned the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024 – 2026.
Cottrell-Boyce was presented with the bespoke silver Laureate medal by outgoing Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, at a ceremony held at Howard Assembly Room, Leeds.
For 25 years, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate has been the foremost representative of children’s literature, awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent.
Managed by BookTrust – the UK’s largest children’s reading charity – and sponsored by Waterstones, this prestigious role celebrates creativity and storytelling, promotes the vital importance of reading and children’s literature, and champions the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime enriched with books and stories. Each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to their tenure.
Liverpool-based Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a multi-award-winning children’s author. Since his debut Millions won the CILIP Carnegie Medal (and was made into a film directed by Danny Boyle) he has penned a plethora of much-loved books including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again (the official sequel commissioned by the Fleming Estate), Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy and Runaway Robot.
He is also a highly esteemed script and screenwriter, devising the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, co-writing the Platinum Jubilee Paddington sketch, alongside writing for Doctor Who, Goodbye Christopher Robin and most recently The Beautiful Game, starring Bill Nighy and Micheal Ward.
At yesterday’s ceremony, Cottrell-Boyce launched his Laureateship with a powerful speech declaring his ambitions for children’s books and the life-changing benefits of reading to be ‘taken seriously’.
He pledged to dedicate his two-year tenure to igniting a fierce national conversation about the role books and reading can play in transforming children’s lives, referencing the decades of compelling evidence showing that reading for pleasure is the single biggest factor impacting the life-chances of a child, as well as the ‘crisis point’ facing the millions of children now living in poverty, warning: ‘we risk losing a generation unless we act.’
This campaign – which is called Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future– also includes plans for a national summit bringing together expert voices in the political, education, literacy and early years sectors.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024–2026, added:“Our children are living through the aftermath of a series of crises, the pandemic, a series of wars and an unfolding environmental crisis.
“The only public conversation is about how we can make our children “catch up” – which seems to me a kind of code for forgetting this ever happened. None of us has the slightest idea about what the future now holds for them – but the one thing we do know is that they will need to know how to be happy.
“Every child has to have the opportunity to begin to build the apparatus of happiness within themselves.
“I will use my time as Waterstones Children’s Laureate to call for a reset in our attitude towards how we value children’s books and reading – to start this story again – and to campaign for the millions of children living in poverty to be given the same life-changing chances. To stand up for the children in this country and their Reading Rights.
“So, whoever wins Thursday’s election has a huge responsibility. Whoever we wake up to Friday morning, they have the power to make a revolutionary change in children’s lives.”
Diana Gerald, CEO at BookTrust, said:“Reading can help young children who missed out on critical development opportunities during the pandemic and who have fallen behind in terms of literacy, language development, and communication skills.
“It can help children overcome the consequences of rising levels of poverty and inequality, particularly if we read with them in their early years.
“The appointment of Frank as Children’s Laureate gives us a powerful advocate for the disadvantaged and vulnerable children and the transformative effect that reading can have on their lives.”
Kate Edwards, Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate Steering Group and Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024-26 Judging Panel, said: “The Waterstones Children’s Laureate selection panel invites nominations from a range of organisations across the UK representing librarians, critics, writers, literature development workers and booksellers – on behalf of everyone, I extend Frank our warmest congratulations.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Frank to this prestigious role as the Laureateship celebrates its 25th anniversary – not only does his wonderful writing entertain and inspire, but he has long been a passionate voice in the campaign for children’s books to be given the value and recognition that they deserve.
“Frank is a wonderful Laureate for these times and the Steering Group is looking forward to working with him over the next two years, helping to bring his vital plans and ambitions to life so that every child can enjoy a life rich in books and reading.”
Nick Campbell, Children’s Campaign Manager at Waterstones, said: ““On behalf of our booksellers, particularly our experts in children’s reading, we’re thrilled to welcome Frank Cottrell-Boyce to the role of Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024-2026.
“In the twenty years since his debut novel, Frank’s work has been a cornerstone of our children’s sections, deploying his wit and genius for storytelling in celebration of young people’s imaginative potential.
“We are so pleased to support him as Laureate in championing those young people and the transformative power of reading.”
There is a big difference between making a painting OF a photo and making a painting FROM a photo.
It is rare that artists can have the luxury of face to face painting of a person until completion and so knowing how to work from photos can be necessary, but also liberating and quite fun to decide on different backgrounds and so on.
Come to our friendly 5 week course to learn how to avoid pitfalls of working from photo reference, and how to make your paintings stand out as works of art, based on your favourite photo.
Hopefully it will help develop your painting skills along the way. You can decide what image you like and what background you would like and any other ideas for making a personal fantastic painting.
We will be looking at :
Composing a portrait
The limitations of the camera
How to take useful reference pictures
Understanding what we SHOULD see and compensating using logic and knowledge
Theory of light on form
Colour mixing and creating harmony.
The course starts from 22nd February at Leith Academy from 6.30 – 8.30pm but book asap to secure your place.
(£48.30 standard – £24.25 senior citizen/ student – £19.15 benefits)
Exciting FREE annual open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios
Featuring over 30 artists from paintings to photography and mosaics to fashion
Meet the makers, watch demonstrations and get the chance to win an original piece of art in a free raffle
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening their doors to the public again this Christmas for another exciting Open Studios weekend (their second of the year) onSaturday 2 & Sunday 3 Decemberfrom12 – 5pm.
Come along to see their creative spaces, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s the perfect chance to get some Christmas shopping done, or perhaps to just treat yourself.
With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone, from fine art, paintings and illustration to ceramics, textiles and photography.
There will be FREE art/craft/animation demonstrations and workshops taking place over the two days, plus a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes donated by Abbeymount Studios artists.
Artists include Robin Paine who exhibited at The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour’s winter exhibition, and was twice a finalist in London’s National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award.
Her work is in National and International Collections and she has taught widely, with a specialty in drawing and painting from observation. Up-and-coming wildlife painter Kirsten Mirrey whose work for the past five years has focussed on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style will also be taking part of the two days. She’s also just completed her first successful solo exhibition at the Watson Gallery.
Helen Miles represents the world of mosaics. Trained in Greece, Helen designs and makes mosaics for interior and exterior spaces, using a variety of materials from unglazed ceramic tiles to Venetian glass and found objects.
From ceramics, Frances Priest is represented in national collections including the National Museums of Scotland Edinburgh, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, the Victoria & Albert Museum London & the McManus Galleries Dundee. She has also been awarded The Wesley Barrell Craft Award and the Arts & Business Scotland Award.
Award-winning designer Judy R Clark is famed for her exquisite hand-tailored womenswear designs comprising of Harris Tweeds, Scottish lace and antique fabric. Judy was crowned Designer of Year at The Scottish Style Awards.
Her twin sister Christine Clark will also be taking part. She has been exhibiting internationally with group and solo shows in London, France, Washington and Edinburgh including a large commission for the Rohallion Care Clinic in Perth.
The poster for the Christmas Open Studios Weekend was designed by resident illustrator Rebecca Sheerin. She makes narrative illustrations mostly inspired by landscapes and the natural world. She starts by painting a watery base layer then adding the fine details with coloured pencils and crayons.
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says: “Out of the Blue Abbeymount biannual open studios showcases the work of all 48 resident artists in an iconic building which is an arts and crafts creative hub right in the centre of Edinburgh.”
Details of the Christmas Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.
