Cellular Exhibition – Tuesday 14th to Friday 24th April
Exciting FREE exhibition showcasing the work of Drill Hall residents
Featuring over 20 artists and makers from paintings and illustration to jewellery
Meet the artists: Wednesday 15th April (6.30pm – 8.30pm)
Out of the Blue Drill Hall is excited to host a new exhibition showcasing the work of over 20 of its resident artists and makers, from painters and illustrators tojewellery makersand printmakers.
This 6th showcase exhibition will run from Tuesday 14th to Friday 24th April (10am to 5pm) with an opportunity to meet the artists and makers on Wednesday 15th April from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the official exhibition launch.
Every great work of art starts with a single cell – a solitary thought, a lone brushstroke, a single spark. The artists and makers of the Drill Hall emerge from their individual workspaces to weave these threads together.
Cellular invites you to explore a diverse ecosystem of work, bridging the gap between the maker’s private process and the public’s gaze.
With so many artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone. Painters include award-winning artist Daniel Murray. Working in acrylics on board, he paints realistic portrayals of the human form and the natural world, often mixing these subjects with abstracted landscapes inspired by the highland environment he grew up in.
Leith Jewellery Studios founder Amanda McGrattan will be showing her jewellery at the exhibition. Amanda’s work has been inspired by the grit and vibrancy of graffiti and urban street art. She translates the world around her into wearable narratives using a signature blend of textured and oxidized silver, liquid and powder enamels, and vivid acrylics.
Textile work includes pieces by Needle Bow, a garment and accessories brand, designing and producing bespoke garments and accessories, using upcycled materials wherever possible.
The exhibition is being co-curated by painter Aoife O’Callaghan and textile artist Monika Fejes of Remode Collective. They’ll both be exhibiting and showcasing their work.
Aoife comments: “I am excited to be building on our previous exhibition. The sense of community amongst the Drill Hall tenants is growing, and I’m looking forward showcasing some of our work in our home-studio environment.”
Out of the Blue Chief Executive Rob Hoon adds “The Out of the Blue Drill Hall houses a huge range of creative activity, and it’s a great pleasure to see the variety and quality of artists’ work displayed in the Cellular Exhibition, for all to enjoy.”
Details of the Cellular Exhibition, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Drill Hall website.
Participating Artists and Makers
Stamped Cat (Linocut prints)
Violetta Palak Jones (Paintings)
Daniel Murray (Paintings)
Graeme Walker (Abstract paintings)
Cam Life Designs (Jewellery, precious metal weaving, painting / sculpture)
Solen Collet (Photography)
Martin Fishman (Jewellery)
Jacob Danson Faraday (Jewellery, metal work)
Aoife in Leith (Paintings)
Shamil Sokolov (Jewellery)
Lawfieldcrafts (Silver and glass)
AMcGrattanJewellery (Handmade jewellery)
Gillie Welstead (Silver and gold jewellery)
Mairi MacSween Designs (Illustration)
Needle Bow (Textiles)
Ylfa (Accessories & jewellery – head pieces, hair pins and earrings)
Artists and cultural organisations from Scotland and all around the world will get together in a global festival that puts the arts at the very centre and supports a social project or the community at every event.
At Out of the Blue, we’re excited to be taking part with two events: the November Flea Market at the Drill Hall and the Winter Open Studios at Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios.
Come and meet over 40 resident artists and makers and browse an exciting variety of works, many of which are for sale. Everything is handmade at the studios.
To find out more about what else is going on throughout Edinburgh for Fair Saturday Scotland, just take a look at their website:
This winter, Leith comes alive with creativity! We’re excited to be taking part again this year with our Winter Arts Markets.
It’s your chance to explore 20 inspiring creative venues filled with markets, open studios, exhibitions, workshops, talks, and pop-up events celebrating Leith’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Come and join us from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December where over 120 handpicked local artists and makers will be selling their work.
With everything from clothes and textiles, glass and ceramics to paintings, prints and illustrations (and lots more), there’s something for everyone.
As well as the bustling market, there will be food and drink from the fully licensed Drill Hall Cafe (including mulled wine).
The perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas gift and support local artists at the same time.
From Print Expo 2525, celebrating 10 years of Out of the Blueprint, to other workshops and performances, there’s lots going on at the Drill Hall in August.
What do you fancy getting involved in?
Just take a look at our website for the full programme.
On the morning of May 22nd 1915, Quintinshill near Gretna witnessed the biggest train disaster in British railway history.
Three trains had collided resulting in 226 fatalities. Most of the dead were soldiers who had trained at the Drill Hall in Leith, on their way to Gallipoli.
Those who had waved their young sons, brothers, sweethearts and friends off only days earlier were soon to be faced with the solemn task of identifying their loved one’s body in the Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street in Leith.
Back in 2015 thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust, who now own and manage the Drill Hall as an arts centre and much loved resource for the community, marked the centenary of this disaster, with an exhibition and theatre performance.
What’s happening
On Thursday 22nd May 2025, 110 years to the day of the tragic crash will assemble many of the 2015 participants for a special reunion screening of Ray Bird’s short film, Gretna 100. The film illustrates how a participatory arts project can have a long lasting impact for participants and audience alike.
To mark the centenary of the disaster in 2015, a group of community actors from Active Inquiry and Strange Town Young Company researched and devised a piece of promenade theatre, Persevere, which guided the audience around the Drill Hall enabling them to catch glimpses of stories of Leithers 100 years ago.
There was also a separate research group which included descendants of those who were involved in the tragedy, an exhibition group and the production of the Tree of Life, with a glass artist and Pilmeny Youth Centre. Ray Bird (Drill Hall based filmmaker) made a great film of the project, which will be screened on Thursday 22nd May 2025.
Comments on the project
‘The Out of the Blue Drill Hall is historically associated with a hugely significant tragedy for the Leith community. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund we were able to explore the impact on individuals and families by people undertaking their own research, uncovering stories and presenting them to the people of Leith – and beyond! Ray Bird’s film documented the process of the community’s involvement in the context of exploring the impact of the 1915 tragedy to powerful effect’- Out of the Blue CEO Rob Hoon
“difficult not to be moved and shaken by the profound sense of place, time and continuity conjured up by this fine 24-strong community company” – Joyce McMillan – The Scotsman – ‘Persevere’ review 5th June 2015
“It was a great experience to be part of a project which engaged with the history of our local area, whilst simultaneously engaging with the community that lives here now” – Gretna 100 participant
Part of the ‘Out of the Blue is 30’ events series.
We are delighted to announce that on Saturday, November 23rd, we will be hosting two free taster sessions for our new performance groups – 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3 pm – at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh.
With these sessions, we want to create a fun, safe and supportive enviroment for people to engage in interactive drama activities, where like-minded people can meet and feel comfortable to experiment and perform.
We are looking for individuals to participate and provide valuable market research and feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious about drama, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore your creative side and help shape our future programs.
To register, email us at fablesstagecommunitytheatre@gmail.com or give us a direct message on Facebook and Instagram. Places are limited, so please book in advance.
We look forward to seeing you then and thank you so much for your help!
Exciting FREE open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios
Featuring over 30 artists exhibiting fine art, illustrations, photography, ceramics, mosaics and 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 next month for another exciting Open Studios weekend (their first of the year) on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June from 12noon – 5pm. This exhibition will be first in the line-up of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Out of the Blue.
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.
With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone, from fine art, paintings and illustration to ceramics, mosaics, 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 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.
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 will also be taking part. Her work is in National and International Collections and she has taught widely, with a specialty in drawing and painting from observation.
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. 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.
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.
The poster for the Spring Open Studios Weekend was designed by resident printmaker Rosanna Reade. She mainly works with lino, and occasionally screen and risograph printing. She particularly enjoys the tools and processes of linocut, and the sculptural nature of relief printing.
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.”
Out of the Blue Chief Executive Rob Hoon says: “Out of the Blue is unique and resists classification. Our buildings are not simply artists’ studios, or ‘creative hubs’. Abbeymount Studios is one of our buildings which reflect a model that has developed and been sustained over 30 years, hosting a hybrid of arts, participatory education, enterprise, creativity, and community development.”
Details of the Spring Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.
Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trustis celebrating 30 years of life in Edinburgh.
Springing from nowhere (hence the name!) into a small gallery space in the centre of Edinburgh in 1994, Out of the Blue now enlivens and animates six buildings in Edinburgh, including the A-listed Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith and the iconic Bongo Club in the city centre.
Since 1994, over two million people have come through our doors to work, create, exhibit, perform, eat, drink, dance, teach and learn.
Our creative projects and valuable social initiatives benefit thousands of individuals, and many organisations and communities. Collectively, these ventures are making a significant contribution both to people’s quality of life and to the provision of opportunities in the creative industries for emerging and established artists.
Why commemorate the 30-year milestone?
We worked hard to give birth and sustain our vision (some would say against all odds). Our creative ventures, collaborations and achievements to date are worthy of attention.
We also want to express our gratitude to those individuals and organisations who played a significant role in ‘making it happen’.
How are we commemorating?
On the 30th May 2024 associates from the world of arts and crafts, politics, education and press will gather at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall to sample performance, music and visual art which is representative of our 30-year history.
Throughout the rest of our 30th year, we will showcase 30 events illustrative of a history of many collaborative partnerships.
Rob Hoon, Out of the Blue Chief Executive said: “Out of the Blue is unique and resists classification. Our buildings are not simply artists’ studios, or ‘creative hubs’. Our spaces reflect a model that has developed and been sustained over 30 years, hosting a hybrid of arts, participatory education, enterprise, creativity, and community development.
“There is cross-fertilisation between these areas which support individuals and collective initiatives. This in turn has economic, health and educational benefits for individuals and the local community.”
David Stevenson, Chair of Out of the Blue Board of Directors said: “In an increasingly challenging landscape for arts and cultural organisations, Out of the Blue is a 30 year-success story.
“A social enterprise, we have developed a sustainable business model with creative and cultural activity at its core. We are proud to be a part of the communities that make use of our spaces, and as we celebrate our anniversary we also celebrate the stories of every person who has passed through our doors to ‘do their thing ”
Ally Hill, Managing Director of The Bongo Club said:“The Bongo Club has been pushing the boundaries of the Edinburgh scene since 1996.
“Through the loyal support of the community (and the Council), it has now overcome threats to its existence on three occasions and its third incarnation occupies the cavernous, basement spaces below the Central Library, on Cowgate, since 2013.
The Bongo Club continues to welcome world-class, international talent.
“With a street-wise, level-headed attitude and an international reputation, the Bongo currently operates primarily as a nightclub, albeit one that also hosts regular live events suited to its low ceilings and underground feel.
“Many a rising star has played a live gig at the Bongo, with recent stand-outs including Self Esteem and Kae Tempest.”
Out of the Blue: 30 years as a Creative Development Organisation
Each Out of the Blue building has a creative purpose in its own right, but collectively they drive the growth of the Creative Industries in Edinburgh and Scotland by providing opportunities for employment, education and enterprise.
The buildings provide spaces for studios, workshops, classes, exhibitions, music practice, recording, performance, rehearsal, events, meetings, theatre, music, visual arts, architecture, designers, screen printers, social enterprises, jewellery makers, and more.
As a local organisation that sprung up from grassroot, Out of the Blue has made a significant impact on the city of Edinburgh and the communities we work in, as well as contributing to Scotland’s Creative Industry infrastructure.
Our mission to find and develop creative spaces, and to evolve as a sustained social enterprise with multiple branches, is something worth celebrating!
Throughout our 30-year history we have seen many success stories from those using our spaces to bring their creative vision to life; including
1994: Creating a DIY arts organisation and a gallery space in a shop space in Blackfriars Street, Old Town Edinburgh
1996: Move to New Street followed by the creation of the Bongo Club
2000: Initiating and awarding ‘Tap Water Awards’ as a cheeky response to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Perrier Award
2003: The purchase and refurbishment of the (now A listed) Drill Hall in Leith – now filled with creative activity visited by over 100,000 people each year
2003- present: Providing studio space for artists and organisations that are some of the most successful and vibrant in the city. Out of the Blue accommodates over 200 artists in studios including 50 organisations/SMEs and designers, film companies, events companies, painters, theatre companies, photographers, ceramicists, textile workers, printmakers and musicians
2005: Initiated significant community based initiatives involving young people in a creative project to transform the local park. An outcome of those initiatives was the involvement of many participants in training and employment opportunities at the Out of the Blue Drill Cafe
2015 to present: Created Out of the Blueprint as a risograph print studio, based in the OOTB Drill Hall. RISO printing is a low-cost, eco-friendly print process, using only vegetable inks and 100% recycled paper, with a unique aesthetic.
2017 to present: Transformed Abbeymount Techbase into a centre of imagination and enterprise for 50 artists and hundreds of participants, as Abbeymount Studios for craft and design in the old school at the top of Easter Road.
In total Out of the Blue run:
– 5 public spaces for a combination of studios, performance, rehearsal, music, exhibition, projects, events, classes, workshops, markets, cafes and clubs.
– 4 enterprises; The Bongo Club, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall cafe, Out of the Blueprint and Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios for craft makers.
– The A listed Out of the Blue Drill Hall
A studio base for over 100 artists
An arts venue for local, national and international artists and others to create, teach, learn manage and perform visited by a total of 100,000 members of the public per annum
A Market venue for artists and local traders
The Drill Hall café, a resource for the local community and a training project for young people with 73,000 customers per annum
– The Bongo Club. Performance venue including live music, club, theatre, spoken word/poetry, film/video art, dance and comedy, practice and workshop facilities.
To find out more about Out of the Blue, please take a look at our dedicated webpage.
The Creative Carers programme returns to Out of the Blue this Autumn
Now in its second year, the Creative Carers programme of arts workshops supports over 40 people each year with a programme of free arts workshops
The programme is a collaboration between Out of the Blue and VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian)
This September sees the launch of the Creative Carers programme at Out of the Blue Drill Hall. First set up in 2022, Out of the Blue will be working with several resident arts organisations to deliver a series of free creative classes for unpaid carers. The classes will take place over two months this Autumn at Out of the Blue Drill Hall and Abbeymount Studios.
The project is being delivered in partnership with local charity VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) to help reach unpaid carers.
According to VOCAL’s most recent carer survey, 79% report an impact on their mental wellbeing after beginning caring and 48% don’t believe they have a good balance between caring and other things in their life.
To help combat these challenges, the project aims to offer unpaid carers a number of creative and inspiring workshops that carers can enjoy to take time away from their caring role, try something new and connect with others.
The free creative workshops include aerial dance, pottery, dressmaking, jewellery, printmaking and drama. The workshops are open for beginners as well as those who have some prior experience. The workshops will take place at Out of the Blue Drill Hall at 32-36 Dalmeny St and at Abbeymount Studios at the top of Easter Road.
These are:
● Aerial skills with All or Nothing ● Pottery with Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop ● Jewellery with Precious Metals Workshop ● Dressmaking with Remode Collective ● Printmaking with Out of the Blueprint
The project has been funded through the Scottish Government’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund which aims to support community based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing within the adult population.
Feedback from 2022 suggests that carers enjoyed the chance to engage with other activities offered through the classes (which they would not have done otherwise) and enjoyed the social element.
Some also suggested that they didn’t have time to pursue their own hobbies so they valued the chance to be creative alongside others in a similar caring role.
Feedback from participants in 2022:
● “It helped to focus on the course for a couple of hours and put the everyday stresses to the back of my mind.” ● “Felt as if I could achieve something for myself and be creative for a change.” ● “Felt very positive and excited to be doing something so different.” ● “There was a level of companionship, not just the common situation of being carers but also a shared interest.”
Out of the Blue Project Manager, Johnny Gailey, says: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to run the Creative Carers programme again this Autumn.
“The feedback from last year’s participants was really positive – carers really valued having time to themselves away from their caring responsibilities and the chance to be creative.
“There’s estimated to be over 80,000 unpaid carers in the Lothian area so hopefully individuals who find themselves in a caring role and who think they would benefit from the programme might find out about the free programme and get in touch to sign up.”
VOCAL’s Chief Executive, Rosemary McLoughlin said: “Many carers face barriers to taking a break from caring, which is why thinking creatively and offering flexible options to short breaks across the city is so important.
“Building on the success of last year’s programme, we hope this partnership with Out of the Blue will support carers to take a much-needed break and have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.”
The Creative Carers project takes place at the Drill Hall and Abbeymount Studios from early October. If you’re an unpaid carer and are interested in taking part please visit the VOCAL WeeBreaks website where you’ll be able to find out more.
Monday 20th – Friday 24th July
10am – 4pm
The Out of the Blue Drill Hall
£200 | Subsidised places available
November 
Saturday 29th November, 10am – 3pm
Browse from over 45 stalls packed with pre-loved items, from clothes and jewellery to books, antiques and other collectibles.
