Arts & Culture in Edinburgh

Supports displaced and refugee artists in Scotland by providing tailored professional development programs, creative mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their work. They offer weekly workshops and artist circles that focus on enhancing creativity and mental wellbeing for individuals affected by war and humanitarian crises. The organization aims to foster inclusion and diversity, helping artists build sustainable futures through creative empowerment and community engagement.

Provides a community and co-working space for designers, authors, and artists in the tabletop games industry, offering desk space, prototyping materials, and access to 3D printers. Hosts regular prototyping and playtesting evenings, workshops, and events to foster creativity and collaboration among local creatives.

Offers a community hub in Gorgie, Edinburgh, that focuses on creativity and well-being through various services such as yoga, art therapy, reiki, and creative workshops. They specifically support minority and marginalized women facing challenges like racial inequity, anxiety, and isolation, fostering personal growth and inclusion. The organization promotes sustainable practices and engages with the wider community to reduce waste and encourage eco-conscious living. Their space features a studio for classes and workshops, as well as a therapy room for individual sessions.

Promotes arts and culture for marginalized communities, including migrants and refugees, by providing creative opportunities and cultural programming. They focus on fostering inclusion, dignity, and social justice, ensuring that everyone can participate in the cultural life of their community. Their initiatives are rooted in the belief that culture is a human right, and they actively engage with diverse groups to facilitate access to artistic expression and cultural experiences. Operating primarily in Edinburgh, they aim to break down barriers to participation in the arts.

Offers drama and music workshops designed to engage children, young people, and adults in creative arts. The organisation focuses on empowering participants and fostering confidence through artistic expression, with a particular emphasis on community engagement across West Lothian. Their programmes are tailored to inspire creativity and build skills in the arts, making a positive impact on the local community.

Offers a comprehensive support network and production services for artists across various disciplines, focusing on empowerment and artistic development. They provide workshops that create a safe environment for personal exploration and artistic realization, catering to artists seeking to enhance their skills and foster connections within the creative community. Operating in Linlithgow, the organization aims to promote growth and collaboration among artists, helping them thrive in their artistic endeavors. Unique programs include tailored workshops that encourage creativity and personal expression.

Connects Hungarian performers, artists, and public figures with the Hungarian community in and around Edinburgh, fostering cultural engagement through various artistic events. The organization promotes a sense of national identity and community among attendees.

Offers a range of resources and programs aimed at empowering individuals affected by dementia, including those living with the condition, unpaid caregivers, and dementia practitioners. Their services include free creative resources, a subscription-based community, and an accredited leadership programme designed to enhance quality of life and foster supportive communities. Based in Scotland, bold Scotland emphasizes leadership development and innovative training to inspire and connect people across various stages of their dementia journey.

Provides engaging musical storytelling shows that celebrate Scots language and culture through a blend of music, comedy, puppetry, and traditional tales. They primarily serve young people and families in Edinburgh, fostering community connections and cultural appreciation. Their current touring show, 'A Jaunt Roond Auld Reekie,' is designed for primary school audiences and includes interactive workshops that enhance the educational experience. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, they aim to immerse participants in the rich heritage of Scotland.

Empowers individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges through creative activities, workshops, and events. They focus on supporting those who identify as mad, mentally ill, or neurodivergent, fostering connections and promoting social justice. The Centre operates in Edinburgh and aims to challenge societal stigmas surrounding madness while providing a safe community hub for engagement and expression. Unique programs include art and creative workshops designed to enhance well-being and build resilience among participants.

Offers a platform for streaming over 2000 internet radio stations across various genres, including support for unsigned independent bands and artists. This service helps emerging talent reach a wider audience while fostering a vibrant community of creative expression. Based in Edinburgh, it specifically aims to promote local musicians and enhance their visibility in the competitive media landscape. The platform encourages listeners to explore diverse music genres and discover new talent.

Provides ASN-friendly activities and family support, including classes, workshops, and social events for children and their families. Focuses on creating an inclusive environment that enhances well-being through music, dance, and community engagement.

Offers a range of holistic wellbeing services including therapeutic massage, craniosacral therapy, and women's wellness yoga, specifically designed to support women through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and chronic pain management. The studio is located in Peebles, Scottish Borders, and focuses on trauma-informed bodywork to help clients achieve relaxation and personal growth. They provide a nurturing environment for women to address emotional and physical restrictions, enhancing overall wellbeing. Additionally, online sessions are available, expanding their reach beyond local clients.

Offers a variety of creative arts therapies, including art, music, and dramatherapy, aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing for individuals aged 5 and above. The CIC provides a welcoming environment with therapy rooms available for hire, as well as workshops and community crafting sessions that encourage creativity and personal growth. They offer a free initial consultation with qualified HCPC-registered therapists, allowing individuals to self-refer or refer others with consent. Located in Edinburgh, they focus on transformative well-being support through artistic expression.

Cultivates inclusive literary and artistic communities through projects that promote public ownership of cultural assets and support literary translation programs. Establishes cultural spaces and enhances the circular economy of second-hand books.

Creates a supportive environment for women to connect through engaging activities like letter writing and photobook creation, fostering genuine friendships and new experiences.

Organizes cultural exhibitions and fashion shows that celebrate the talents of emerging fashion designers and creatives, focusing on cultural diversity and heritage. Supports individuals from the diaspora community through fashion, craft, and performance.

Supports disabled and neurodivergent artists through various initiatives including workshops, consultancy, access riders, and small grants. The organisation aims to empower these artists and enhance inclusivity within the creative sector by providing training and consultancy to arts organisations. They operate primarily in Scotland, working to foster a more accessible environment for disabled creatives and audiences. Additionally, they offer resources and support for organisations to better accommodate disabled artists.

Provides free performing arts classes, including dance and movement activities, aimed at empowering individuals from vulnerable communities in Edinburgh. Their programs specifically target older adults and young people with additional support needs, including those living in extreme poverty. By fostering creativity, confidence, and social connections, they aim to break down barriers to arts engagement. The organization actively seeks participants from deprived areas within Edinburgh, such as Sighthill, Stenhouse, Broomhouse, and Drum Brae.

Organizes inclusive music events and gatherings in Edinburgh, fostering community engagement and celebration among individuals from diverse backgrounds. They provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work and promote a message of love and acceptance through music. The CIC aims to create vibrant spaces for social connection, particularly benefiting the LGBTQ+ community and those who feel marginalized. Their activities include music releases, listening parties, and events that encourage participation from all members of the community.

Provides a community maker space in Edinburgh that focuses on wood and metal work. They offer a range of workshops and training sessions designed to enhance skills for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, and hobbyists. The facility is uniquely housed in renovated shipping containers, fostering a creative environment for collaboration and learning. Their mission is to support local residents and artists in developing their craft and promoting creativity within the community.

Organizes an annual film festival in Edinburgh that showcases Spanish and Latin American cinema, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation of diverse cinematic voices. The festival engages film enthusiasts, local communities, and cultural organizations, fostering connections with Spanish-language films and filmmakers. It features a diverse program of screenings, discussions, and events designed to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of Spanish and Latin American culture through film. The festival aims to create a communal atmosphere that encourages participation and feedback from attendees to improve future editions.

EH-FM Radio C.I.C. is an independent community radio station in Edinburgh that offers a platform for local artists, musicians, and community voices through diverse programming and live broadcasts. By promoting cultural expression and fostering connections among residents, the station serves to enrich the local community and support its creative talents.

Organizes the Edinburgh International University Film Festival, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers and students to showcase their work through screenings, workshops, and networking events. The festival supports aspiring filmmakers and fosters collaboration among students, graduates, academics, and industry professionals. It creates a vibrant community in Edinburgh dedicated to innovation in filmmaking, bridging the gap between education and the professional film industry. Unique programs include workshops and panels that encourage creativity and collaboration among young storytellers.

Supports East and Southeast Asian artists and creatives in Scotland by facilitating collaboration, representation, and community engagement through various cultural events. Focuses on enhancing cultural visibility and inclusivity in the arts for ESEA individuals across multiple disciplines.

Offers workshops and mentorship in contemporary jewellery design, empowering individuals from marginalised communities in North Edinburgh. Their programs focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and the creation of unique jewellery pieces, fostering social and economic growth. Participants engage in hands-on projects that enhance their creative potential and build confidence, contributing to their overall health and wellbeing. The initiative aims to make jewellery design accessible to those who may not have had such opportunities before.

Supports artists and audiences of colour at the Edinburgh festivals by providing resources like a publicly available database of artists and shows, and fostering inclusive community engagement and networking opportunities.

Organizes the annual IberoDocs Film Festival across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee, showcasing documentary films from Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American filmmakers. The festival promotes Ibero-American culture and fosters cultural exchange by providing a platform for underrepresented voices. It targets local communities and audiences interested in themes of identity, memory, and belonging, featuring screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and conversations with artists. This year's festival includes a new environmental strand focusing on the perspectives of female filmmakers, enhancing the festival's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Creates interactive audio experiences that explore the impact of COVID-19 on society, engaging listeners in a unique pick-your-own adventure format. The productions aim to connect emerging artists with the public, fostering collaboration and community engagement. They focus on high-quality artistic works that encourage reflection and discussion among audiences. Operating primarily in Edinburgh, they seek to harness the creative potential of local communities for positive change.

Operates the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh, providing a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to access a diverse range of queer literature. The archive hosts author events, workshops, community groups, and book clubs, while also maintaining a digital catalogue to promote visibility for LGBTQ+ books that are often hard to find. Visitors can browse the collection in person during designated hours and participate in social events like the Sunday Social Book Café.

Specializes in transformative publishing, focusing on fiction, poetry, and themed anthologies. They support neurodivergent, disabled, and chronically ill writers, editors, and interns by providing a platform for diverse voices. Operating from Edinburgh, they publish debut novels and poetry collections, fostering a vibrant literary community. Their commitment to inclusivity ensures that underrepresented voices are amplified in the literary landscape.

Offers high-quality, reduction-fired stoneware for retail and bespoke commissions, alongside a variety of pottery courses and workshops for all skill levels. They focus on providing free and subsidized access to individuals facing mental health challenges, social isolation, or exclusion, particularly targeting those in Edinburgh. Unique to their offerings is the use of a gas-fired reduction kiln, which produces distinctive glazes and finishes in ceramics. Their commitment to community well-being is reflected in their donation-based workshops aimed at supporting mental health and social inclusion.

Offers workshops, events, and studio rentals to support local artists and residents in Edinburgh. Provides accessible opportunities for individuals to engage in creative activities and connect with the community.

Offers storytelling workshops and community events aimed at enhancing creativity and communication skills, particularly for marginalized communities and children in Edinburgh.

Organizes vibrant indie craft markets in Edinburgh, providing a platform for local artisans and small businesses to showcase and sell their handmade products. Supports independent creators by offering affordable opportunities to engage with the community and promote their work.

Creates and promotes inclusive books and sensory stories tailored for individuals with additional needs, particularly children with complex needs and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). They offer workshops, community events, and sensory story sessions to enhance accessible storytelling experiences. Operating primarily in Edinburgh, they engage in research projects to improve the accessibility of picture books and have recently hosted an Accessible Book & Story Festival. Their innovative approach includes developing new inclusive books and collaborating with hospitals and ASN schools.

Offers extraordinary musical experiences through a variety of workshops and educational programmes tailored for primary and secondary schools. They engage diverse community groups by providing opportunities for collective music-making, including street band performances and large-scale events. Operating primarily in Edinburgh, they foster social connections and creativity through participatory arts initiatives. Unique programmes like Brass Blast and youth training for music educators further enhance their impact in the community.

Specializes in organizing character parties, drama workshops, and themed events for children and families in Edinburgh. They offer engaging entertainment experiences, including costumed character appearances and artistic workshops, catering to clients of all ages and various support needs. Their unique approach includes interactive events where children can sing and dance with beloved characters, as well as tailored workshops for different community groups. The company is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that their services are accessible to individuals with diverse needs.

Upcycles disused pianos into interactive artworks, creating engaging spaces for community events and artistic collaboration. They support local artists and the wider community by providing opportunities for creativity, cultural engagement, and skill development through volunteering.

Offers engaging art and game-based activities designed to support mental health resilience in young people through creativity and storytelling.