Edinburgh College of Art – The NEN

Multrees Walk and Edinburgh College of Art announce fashion collaboration with ambitious design programme

Multrees Walk and Edinburgh College of Art announce second year of fashion collaboration with ambitious design programme

More than 20 Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion students are being challenged to take their designs from concept to manufacture as Multrees Walk launches the second year of its industry collaboration with ECA.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural project, the collaboration is set to be even more ambitious this year, with the design element at its heart. Students will be challenged to create a 6-outfit collection for Spring/Summer 2027, that is both commercially aware and fashion-forward, with the strongest shirt and trouser co-ord from their collection developed through to final manufacture.

To launch this year’s programme, the students were invited to Multrees Walk to be introduced to the mentors and retailers involved in the programme. As part of their academic journey, students will have access to experts in marketing, buying and design, and will learn about brand positioning, target audiences and pricing.

The project will culminate in a stylish student exhibition at Genesis Studios at Multrees Walk, showcasing a selection of the students’ final designs and providing them with an opportunity to present their work within a professional retail setting.

Professor Mal James, Programme Director, BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Multrees Walk and to be able to offer our new cohort of students this invaluable professional insight into the different disciplines that sit behind some of the world’s leading fashion businesses.

“Last year we saw just how much the students benefitted from the experience and are thrilled to be able to offer this year’s class a more ambitious and enhanced project.”

The collaboration reflects Multrees Walk’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and emerging talent in Scotland, while providing ECA students with meaningful opportunities to connect their academic studies with the wider fashion and retail industry.

Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk, said: “Last year we were blown away with the talent and creativity from the 2^nd year students, demonstrating just how much can be achieved when education and the retail industry come together.

“And this year we want to build on that success even further. Defined by its calm luxury atmosphere, Multrees Walk is one of Scotland’s leading destinations for luxury retail and lifestyle, and we are delighted to provide the students with the opportunity to experience professional mentorship and expertise from a range of global luxury brands.”

Edinburgh College of Art student Megan Atkinson took part in last year’s programme and her final design “Inscribed in Tartan” was selected as the standout piece at the 2025/2026 showcase exhibition.

Megan said: “Having access throughout our course to some of the world’s best-known luxury brands was truly amazing. The experience gave us a better understanding into the industry as a business, and how fashion works from a commercial perspective.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to develop our ideas and of course to see our designs come to life in the end of term exhibition.”

The 2026/27 programme will run throughout the academic year, with students receiving mentoring and industry engagement throughout, before the chosen final designs are presented at the Genesis Studios Edinburgh Showcase Exhibition.

Call for rethink over Edinburgh College of Arts course cuts

Join the call to save craft and design courses

FOLLOWING the shock announcement that Edinburgh College of Art will be closing the remainder of its undergraduate degrees in craft disciplines, Craft Scotland have released an open letter calling for their reinstatement.

Craft organisations and leaders across the sector have co-signed the letter which you can read in full on our website: https://buff.ly/3jIYlOX

Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume are closing to new admissions in 2027 and will be taught out over the next four years.

“Each year we see work of the highest quality emerge from the ECA degree courses… we know that many of these graduates progress to very successful careers in craft, and make a valuable contribution to the wider cultural sector in Scotland and internationally.

“Collectively, these graduate cohorts are ranked amongst the best in the UK. Makers working in jewellery and textiles have directly helped to establish the reputation of Scottish craft internationally and contribute to cutting edge research in materiality and design.

“International visitors, collectors, curators and academics tell us that Scotland punches above its weight in terms of its contemporary craft culture. This shortsighted decision will have a disproportionate impact on the craft sector as well as significant impact on Scotland’s future creative success.”

– Craft Scotland Director, Irene Kernan

Co-signed by: Applied Arts Scotland, Fife Contemporary, Design Nation, Visual Arts Scotland, Scottish Textiles Showcase, Heritage Crafts, TRACS

With support from: Crafts Council, Goldsmiths’ (Company, Centre, Foundation), QEST, European Craft Alliance, Art Jewellery Forum and more.

Due to the strength of public response to this open letter, we have launched a petition to evidence the support for these highly successful craft and design courses.

We plan to share this petition with Scottish Government and politicians, and university decision makers to help fuel a reversal of this descision.

>>> SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION to help save these vital strands of Scotland’s craft and design education ecosystem.

Image 1: Honor Dodd, ECA Jewellery and Silversmithing graduate / Photography by the artist

THE LETTER IN FULL:

Craft Scotland and the other craft support organisations signing this statement are shocked to hear about the proposed closure of the undergraduate Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume courses at Edinburgh College of Art. This will devastate educational opportunities for future generations of professional makers and designers.

We call on University of Edinburgh Principal, Sir Peter Mathieson, Edinburgh College of Art Principal, Professor Juan Cruz, and Vice-Principal, Professor Sarah Prescott, to reverse these planned closures immediately.

Each year we see work of the highest quality emerge from the ECA degree courses. In our role we monitor the success of makers and we know that many of these graduates progress to very successful careers in craft, and make a valuable contribution to the wider cultural sector in Scotland and internationally.

Collectively, these graduate cohorts are ranked amongst the best in the UK. Makers working in jewellery and textiles have directly helped to establish the reputation of Scottish craft internationally and contribute to cutting edge research in materiality and design.

Edinburgh College of Art Jewellery and Silversmithing alumni have had their masterpieces acquired by some of the world’s most important museum collections and by private collectors.

Alumni from ECA’s Performance Costume course land prestigious roles working across stage and screen, as well as contributing to Scotland’s fashion and textile industries.

Makers working in textiles have built successful careers in industry and design as well as through establishing individual craft businesses. Textiles at ECA ranks consistently high in the Guardian University Guide, maintaining a position within the Top 6 for Textiles for the last 9 years. Number 2 in the UK and Number 1 in Scotland in 2026.

These courses are a unique and irreplaceable part of Edinburgh’s cultural history. A decision to close these courses will have consequences for Scottish culture that are almost impossible to mitigate and would be an enormous loss for the UK’s cultural landscape.

The reputation of craft and making by hand is on the rise. In an increasingly digital world, the value of craft is being recognised even more widely for its educational benefits, cultural impact and employment opportunities.

International visitors, collectors, curators and academics tell us that Scotland punches above its weight in terms of its contemporary craft culture. This shortsighted decision will have a disproportionate impact on the craft sector as well as significant impact on Scotland’s future creative success.

Craft Scotland Director, Irene Kernan

>>> SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION to help save these vital strands of Scotland’s craft and design education ecosystem.

Broughton High School pupils create films for festival spotlight

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is celebrating the success of a dynamic filmmaking initiative that has opened up the world of cinema to Edinburgh secondary school pupils – empowering them to develop their skills, build confidence and premiere their own short films.

Delivered in partnership with leading film and education organisations, Our Cinema’s 2026 ‘Children Meet Cinema’ workshop brought together S2–S3 pupils from Broughton High School for an intensive two-week programme.

Through a series of hands-on workshops, pupils developed skills in storytelling, filming and editing, culminating in the production of three original short films – set to premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this August.

The initiative reflects QMU’s commitment to widening access to creative education and supporting young people to develop confidence, skills and new ways of expressing their ideas. By working directly with experienced practitioners, pupils gained first-hand insight into the creative industries and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Produced by Scottish arts community Transgressive North, and jointly led by Robert Munro, QMU Senior Lecturer in Film and Media, and Jamie Chambers, Senior Lecturer in Film, from Edinburgh College of Art, the initiative has involved collaboration with creatives and educators across Scotland’s screen and education sectors, including independent filmmaker Duncan Cowles, and Maili Fraser from Edinburgh Filmhouse.

The programme was further enriched by mentorship from acclaimed director Scott Graham, who helped shape a series of practical exercises designed to guide pupils through every stage of the filmmaking journey.

Robert Munro said: “Creative projects like this are about opening up the world of cinema to young people and showing them that their stories matter.

“It’s been inspiring to see the creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by the pupils at Broughton High School over the past two weeks. This kind of experience can be genuinely transformative – helping young people see new possibilities for themselves and their future.”

Nicola Daniel, Curriculum Leader of the English and Media Faculty at Broughton High School, was impressed with the impact that this creative film project had on both pupils and staff.

She explained: “Being part of this project was one of the most uplifting creative experiences of my career. Working alongside such talented practitioners brought a richness and authenticity to the process that the young people immediately responded to.

“The project opened up the full world of film for them – from shaping ideas and storyboarding to camera work, sound, editing, and performance – and their enthusiasm was nothing short of infectious.”

Nicola added: “Watching the young people take risks, collaborate with maturity, and produce films that were imaginative, polished and deeply personal was extraordinary. The final showcase was a moment of genuine pride – a celebration of their talent, their resilience, and the transformative power of creative partnership.”

What stood out most for the teaching staff was the impact on learners’ confidence and voice.

Nicola explained: “Alongside developing technical skills, the pupils grew in self-belief, communication and creative thinking, with many discovering new strengths in leadership and storytelling.

“The project also offered staff fresh insight into pupils’ abilities and highlighted the value of working in partnership with universities and industry. Film‑making brings together creativity, teamwork and critical thinking in a uniquely accessible way, and this collaboration showed just how powerful that can be in raising aspiration and helping young people feel seen and heard.”

Lead Filmmaker Scott Graham added: “The ‘Children Meet Cinema’ project gives me hope for the future of filmmaking in Scotland.

“The young filmmakers from Broughton High School took the creative freedom we gave them and ran with it. They were a joy and an inspiration to work with and I can’t wait for their films to be unveiled at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. Their work deserves to be presented on the biggest stage.”

Robert Munro concluded: “We’re now excited to share the pupils’ films with audiences at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Monday 17 August. Showcasing their work on an international stage is a remarkable achievement and a powerful celebration of their creativity and hard work.”

QMU would like to thank the young people who took part, the staff at Broughton High School for their support, and St Stephen’s Comely Bank Church for providing space for the workshops. The project was inspired by Japan’s Children Meet Cinema, and the team would like to thank Etsuko Dohi for all her support.

The project was supported by funding from Queen Margaret University’s research impact and widening access funds.

Book tickets for the Edinburgh Film Festival at edfilmfest.org .

Multrees Walk hosts Exhibition: Coordinated – a unique Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Showcase

Multrees Walk, Scotland’s leading luxury shopping destination, is proud to announce an exciting showcase event Exhibition: Coordinated celebrating the conclusion of its collaboration with students from Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).

The fashion exhibition, which will take place at Genesis Studio Edinburgh on Multrees Walk from 1^st to 3^rdMay, unveils a stunning collection of fashion designs created by Edinburgh College of Art’s talented second year students.

The event spotlights several of the students’ final works in a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and collaboration. Visitors can expect an engaging experience of fashion installations and behind-the-scenes storytelling and design journeys from the students themselves.

Launched at the start of their second-year programme, this unique collaboration has seen Multrees Walk mentor and sponsor ECA fashion students throughout their academic year, from early design concepts to commercial recognition.

Over the past several months, students were tasked with creating a commercially minded co-ord garment, exploring themes of sustainability, customer profiling and commercialisation. The students have gained invaluable experience working with Multrees Walk and luxury retailers such as Harvey Nichols and Johnstons of Elgin.

Professor Mal James, Programme Director, Personal Chair of Fashion Design, BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, commented: “Having our students’ designs and final garments exhibited within Multrees Walk is a rewarding opportunity for our students.

“By taking their ideas out with the college studios and directly into the city’s heart of fashion, this allows their creativity to be seen in the same space as some of the world’s leading brands.

“This event is truly a celebration of their hard work, talent and creativity- we are thankful to Multrees Walk for this fantastic opportunity, and to our fashion lecturers and technicians who worked closely with them on the project.”

Dr Patricia Wu, Year 2 Fashion Lecturer and academic project lead, added: “Collaborating on this project has been a delight.

“It has provided students with an enriching experience, teaching them the importance of commercial design and the relationship between designers and real-world customers beyond fashion shows.

“This project encouraged students to consider consumer preferences while allowing them to express their unique design identities”

Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk, said: “Over the past academic year, and through mentorship and real-world insight from our retailers, the students have developed a real understanding of the commercial world of fashion.

“We have all been truly impressed and inspired by the students’ creativity, their passion for research and the original ideas they brought to life through their final designs.”

Adam Stone, Head of European Retail Leasing Strategy at Nuveen, added: “Supporting second-year fashion students from Edinburgh College of Art has been central to our vision for Multrees Walk.

“This collaboration has connected students with leading international brands and we can see first-hand how beneficial this project has been. We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the students’ designs in this impressive and illustrative exhibition.”

Exhibition: Coordinated will take place between 1 May and 3 May at Genesis Studio Edinburgh, Multrees Walk, Edinburgh. The free event will be open to the public from 10:00 to 16:00 each day.

Edinburgh’s Multrees Walk to mentor and sponsor Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Students

Multrees Walk Edinburgh, Scotland’s leading luxury shopping destination, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), supporting the next generation of fashion talent.

As part of this partnership, Multrees Walk will provide mentorship and sponsorship to second-year fashion students as they embark on their annual commercial project.

This initiative will give students invaluable insight into the world of fashion, from design development to market positioning, supporting the gap between education and commercial practice.

Students will explore and consider sustainability, responsible material choices, understanding customer profiles, and developing strong brand narratives.

Working closely with its retailers, Multrees Walk is uniquely positioned to offer students a wealth of real-world expertise and a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about the creative processes, the commercial routes and the commerce opportunities, all at an international level. Retailers from Multrees Walk including Harvey Nichols and Johnstons of Elgin will be offering student mentorship.

Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk said; “We are delighted to be able to support and mentor the students of Edinburgh College of Art this year. By partnering with our retailers, we are able to share industry insight and tangible experiences that bring the education of fashion to life.

“Together, we will aim to inspire and equip the next generation of fashion designers, buyers and marketeers with the tools they need to navigate in today’s ever-changing fashion landscape.”

Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen (landlord of Multrees Walk) said: “Multrees Walk is committed to supporting the fashion industry of the future and our collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art will give students the unique and valuable opportunity to work alongside our wide range of leading global brands and retailers.

“We are proud to be able to help provide this wonderful opportunity and offer this exceptional mentor and sponsor partnership to the students.”

Professor Mal James, Programme Director BA fashion programme Edinburgh College of Art, added: “Partnering with Multrees Walk connects our students to a global network of leading international brands and retailers.

“This collaboration allows us to bring real life industry insight directly into the classroom. It’s a fundamental opportunity for our students to understand not only the creative demands of fashion, but the business side of the industry, too.”

This year-long partnership will culminate in a student exhibition and event in 2026, celebrating the completion of the course and showcasing the work of the students involved.

Taking place in Genesis Studio Edinburgh, Multrees Walk, this event will offer the public, industry professionals and the wider creative community the chance to engage with the students and their work.

Portrait Gallery showcase for Edinburgh College of Art designers

Over 40 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for a showcase of creative talent.

Now in its 11th year, Tea Green Events has become a major platform for independent Scottish designers, drawing thousands of visitors to its markets across the country.

Following the success of Tea Green Events’ markets at National Galleries Scotland: National last year, this is the market’s debut event at the Queen Street venue, taking place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 (10am-5pm).

This year’s markets will also come to V&A Dundee, Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife, Aberdeen Art Gallery and both Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen in 2014.

Joanne said, “The Portrait is a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who live and work in and around the capital.

“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, the market will also put Scotland’s design talent on a global stage, where we can showcase the very best of Scottish craftsmanship.

“With everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear and ceramics, these beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work are made by some truly talented individuals who I know are looking forward to this amazing opportunity”.

Amongst the designers and makers preparing to set out their stalls are a number of Edinburgh College of Art graduates, including illustrator and paper artist, Laura Sayers.

Laura commented, “Turning up at a market can sometimes be quite alienating for folk like me who spend a lot of their work life alone, but the community of makers and the customers that come along are always so warm and welcoming.

“It’s been encouraging for me to see my own work looking and feeling at home alongside some of my favourite small businesses who are all making such high-quality, handmade products.

“As a result, I feel spurred on to make more wholehearted work to mirror the high standards of the other artisans, and the markets give me direction and something to aim for, particularly in the slow summer months.

“There’s also something special about that human interaction and living online means that you’re often craving a space for these conversations. I always come away feeling refreshed and excited for what’s next.

“Edinburgh was a beautiful city to study in, and my time at the College of Art really shaped and laid foundations for the work I make today. I’m always more than happy to return to soak up some more inspiration, and the Portrait Gallery has been one of my personal favourite spots for a long time.

“Making it a base for my artwork for a couple of days is a real pleasure.”

National Galleries of Scotland’s Director of Audience, Isabella Miller, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the makers back to the National Galleries of Scotland following the amazing success of the Tea Green market at the National gallery last summer and winter.

“This time around we’re hosting the market in the stunning surroundings of the Portrait gallery in the centre of Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the market under the bedazzling stars in the world-famous Great Hall.

“The decadent and ornate backdrop of the Portrait is the perfect setting for visitors to feel fully enveloped in the spirit of the market. Beautiful hand-crafted designs, in a beautiful hand-crafted building, what’s not to love!

“The Portrait is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible market creatives and support Scottish businesses. We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art, or pop into the café to relax and enjoy some delicious food.

“There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the Portrait.”

Dr Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “It’s always wonderful to follow our graduates’ creative journeys as they grow and flourish into confident and established designer-makers.

“Communities and markets like Tea Green are ever-important platforms for our alumni in realising their ambitions, connecting with fellow creatives, and showcasing the breadth, diversity, and quality of work emerging from Scottish art colleges.

“At ECA, we strive to create opportunities for our students locally, nationally, and internationally; however, it is always particularly rewarding when graduates decide to remain in and around Edinburgh, and to further champion and grow Scotland’s vibrant creative landscape and economy.”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit:

https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

The George partners with Edinburgh College of Art to pay tribute to Susan Ferrier

Students set to compete in art competition in homage to the 19^th century Scottish novelist who once lived in townhouse, now part of iconic hotel

InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts – has launched a competition for students at the Edinburgh College of Art – University of Edinburgh offering budding artists the opportunity to paint a piece of history, marking the 200^th anniversary of the release of Susan Ferrier’s novel, ‘The Inheritance’.

Launched ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD), students from the renowned art school have been commissioned to create an exclusive piece of artwork which celebrates the novel, originally released in 1824 and considered to be the author’s greatest work, as well as the hotel’s unique connection to Susan Ferrier.

A novelist of the Scottish Enlightenment, who sold more books than Jane Austen in her lifetime, but whose legacy has been less known to 21^st century audiences, once resided in one of the townhouses which now makes up the InterContinental Edinburgh The George. A successful business woman and intellectual, Susan Ferrier challenged gender stereotypes of her time and was recognised for her writing by the likes of Sir Walter Scott.

Located at No. 25 George Street, the Ferrier family home was well known amongst Edinburgh intellectual circles during the 18^th century, with Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns frequently visiting. Scotland’s national bard even penned a poem to the Ferrier sisters.

‘The Inheritance’ tells the story of the young heroine Gertrude as she arrives in the Scottish estate of Lord Rossville to take up her position as his heiress, but finds herself in the middle of a gallery of humorous and eccentric characters — and at the centre of a mystery. The novel is concerned with questions of morality and education, in particular, a woman’s role in marriage and education.

The book also references national identity and the differences between Scottish and English cultures in the aftermath of the Union of 1707 and the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745.

To mark the bicentennial of the novel’s publication, InterContinental Edinburgh The George has worked closely with ECA to create a brief to help inspire students. As well as becoming part of the hotel’s heritage, the winning artist will also receive a purchase price for their artwork, which will be displayed within the hotel lounge for the months of July and August, before being permanently installed in the hotel’s Ferrier Suite.

An overnight stay in the Ferrier Suite and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant Le Petit Beefbar will also be included for the winning artist whose work will be chosen by a panel from both The George Hotel and ECA.

Stephanie Lee, Director of Sales at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, said: “Partnering with the Edinburgh College of Art on this innovative competition to pay tribute to Susan Ferrier while raising awareness of her wonderful work and talent mirrors InterContinental’s deep respect for the arts.

“Edinburgh has a long lineage of producing world-class creatives and the fact that one of its most talented daughters is celebrating a milestone anniversary, deserves to be commemorated.

“We’re excited to see the student’s interpretations of ‘The Inheritance’ and what it represents for them through their art. We’re even more excited to see the winning painting displayed in the Ferrier Suite for guests from around the world to see. We wish all students the best of luck and can’t wait to see the entries honouring Susan Ferrier’s life and work.”

Susan Mowatt, Head of School of Art, University of Edinburgh; “The Ferrier Painting Award launched by Intercontinental The George to celebrate the achievements of the novelist and publisher Susan Ferrier, is a brilliant opportunity for our art students which will see the selected painting commissioned and installed in the original Ferrier rooms. A really exciting public project.”

The competition, which is being run directly with students at ECA, will close in May 2024 with the winner being announced shortly afterwards.

Citizen Winter Warmer events: Stories and Scran

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced Stories and Scran will take place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December as part of the third season of Citizen Winter Warmer events: a community celebration bringing together local voices and authors and artists.

Audiences are invited to savour a sumptuous 3-course meal provided by the Scran Academy (included in the price of the ticket) and hear new writing from local people who have taken part in the Citizen project.

This year’s first event will take place at Fisherrow Centre in Musselburgh and will showcase the diverse voices and creative talent from local groups including illustrations from students at Edinburgh College of Art and the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group and The Citizen Collective. Special guests include Chitra Ramaswamy.

This will be followed on Saturday 2nd November with another Stories and Scran Winter Warmer event in North Edinburgh.

Join us at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre for tasty food and brilliant storytelling in a heart warming event at the heart of the community.

Savour a sumptuous afternoon-tea provided by Scran Academy (included with your ticket) and hear new writing from local people alongside special guests including including Kate Foster and Doug Johnstone.

This year’s North Edinburgh event showcases the diverse voices and creative talent from local groups including a film from the North Edinburgh Drama Group and the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group.

For more information visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/stories-and-scran-2

Kimpton Charlotte Square launches free exhibition

Local artists work on display during the Edinburgh Festival

The award-winning five-star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is celebrating this year’s Edinburgh Festival by launching a new exhibition in partnership with &Gallery.

As the city welcomes visitors from around the globe for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival which celebrate arts and culture, the design-led hotel has unveiled a free art exhibition showcasing work from two local artists, Anna Somerville and Emily Moore.

Passionate about paint, mark making and colour, Anna Somerville creates expressive, painterly landscapes that conjure up hazy memories of places that she has visited. Her pieces on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square include ‘Highland Scape’, ‘Rapolano Neon Scape’ and ‘Tuscan Scape’.

Emily Moore’s paintings focus on the stark facades of modern tower blocks, inspired in part by a trip to Berlin, and latterly, places closer to home. The sharp lines of these modernist forms are overlaid with intricate patterns of leaves and tree branches.

Established in 2017, &Gallery is a contemporary visual art gallery located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town and the well-known art gallery district. &Gallery curates a specialist programme of solo exhibitions of represented artists along with curated group shows.

Its emphasis is on abstract and minimal painting, drawing and sculpture, by artists at various stages of their career who are located in Scotland, as well as throughout the UK and worldwide.

Both artists are graduates from Edinburgh College of Art and regularly exhibit with &Gallery. The new exhibition will be displayed throughout the ground floor of the hotel including the lobby, The Garden as well as the bar and restaurant area. All work is available to purchase through the &Gallery.

Avril Nicol, owner of &Gallery said: “We have really enjoyed collaborating with the Kimpton for our exhibition taking place during the renowned Edinburgh Festival and following months. I

“t was a pleasure curating a selection of work to compliment Charlotte Square’s unique interior, and a great opportunity to highlight the work of two talented local artists.”

Kieran Quinn, general manager at Kimpton Charlotte Square said: “The Edinburgh Festival is a time for the world to celebrate our city, its culture, and the arts.

“It’s important for us to make the most of this special time, giving local artists access to our guests and ensuring our guests are surrounded by wonderful talent.”

Guests and members of the public are invited to see Emily and Anna’s work on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square from today (Monday 14 August) until November.

For artwork purchasing queries, please contact: info@andgallery.co.uk

Communities at the Festival

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL’s COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME

‘celebrating the diverse voices, stories and talent of local people, from across the city and beyond’ – NOELLE COBEN, EIBF Communities Programme Director

As a charitable non-profit making organisation, the work of the Book Festival stretches far beyond the month of August. Our Communities Programme runs year-round and is focused on inspiring and empowering people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our dedicated team work closely with local organisations to create tailored events and activities for a range of community groups throughout Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

This year we have:

developed a new partnership with The Ripple Project to bring monthly author events to their social club for older adults
worked with young people and staff from NHS Lothian’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) on a three-day creative writing and illustration project
facilitated sessions with our Writer in Residence, Chris Barkley, for young people at The Alternative School at Spartans Community Football Academy
… and so much more.

As an outpouring of this year-round work, we run a series of events during the Festival that have been created both for and by those taking part in the programme. We can’t wait to share them with you!

STORIES AND SCRAN

Stories and Scran – Mon 14 Aug | 19:30 – 20:45

Stories and Scran returns for its fourth year – a joyful event celebrating the dynamic and thought-provoking work created by our Citizen participants.

The evening includes a sweet snack provided by Scran Academy (a catering social enterprise based in North Edinburgh) and readings and performances from local groups across the city.

Tickets are on a Pay What You Can basis.

LETTERS OF HOPE

Letters of Hope – Mon 21 Aug | 19:00 – 20:00

What would you tell an outsider about where you live? What hopeful things would you write to your future self?

These were two creative questions our writer in residence, Chris Barkley, has been exploring with young people from the Spartans Alternative School.

Featuring short film, music, and readings, this event celebrates the diverse voices and creative talent of local young people.

Tickets are on a Pay What You Can basis.

OUR CITY, OUR STORIES

Our City, Our Stories – Various dates | 18:15 – 19:15

Our City, Our Stories is an inspiring, recurring event, showcasing new writing from both professional and non-professional writers across our Citizen project (and other community-based groups including Intercultural Youth Scotland and Open Book).

Join to hear them perform their stories: a collective love letter to Edinburgh.

These events are free.

RETURN TO PLANET CITIZEN

Return to Planet Citizen – Sat 26 & Sun 27 Aug

Explore the weird, wonderful world of Planet Citizen in this multi-media installation. You’ll find artifacts, writing, and impressions of a planet as far away as imagination can take you.

Return to Planet Citizen was created by pupils from St. Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School and Tynecastle High School in collaboration with professional artists. Join free 20-minute tours of Planet Citizen every 30 minutes (last tour 15:30).

This event is free.

Beyond the Book Festival Village …

Aware that not everyone can attend Book Festival events in person, our Communities Team work closely with partners and institutions to bring events to groups who might otherwise be excluded. This is thanks largely to the support of the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

This August, author/illustrators Rob Biddulph and Nadia Shireen will visit the wards of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, for instance, and writers including Jenni Fagan, Doug Johnstone, and Alan Bissett will visit six prisons across Scotland.

We hope this newsletter has given you a taster for some of the amazing work our Communities Programme are involved in.

Find out more about our Communities Programme