Edinburgh grassroots arts festival to celebrate 20 years, featuring more than 100 local artists

A GRASSROOTS arts festival in Edinburgh is set to mark 20 years this month, with more than 100 artists to welcome visitors into their homes and gardens.

Colony of Artists, which hosts an annual celebration of creativity, will return this September.

During the weekend of 20 to 21 September, locals will be able to visit homes, gardens, studios and community spaces filled with art, all located across the Abbeyhill Colonies.

The festivity will also offer music, installations, talks, walking tours and chances to refresh with food and drinks, including a pop-up bar from Campervan Brewery.

In its programme, Colony of Artists said that the event is “born from a belief that art should live where people live”.

The festival aims to “bring creativity into the heart of the community”.

They continued: “Since 2005 we’ve filled sitting rooms, streets, gardens and shop fronts with art, music, colour, conversation and cake.

“We’ve watched painters, poets, dancers and dreamers of all stripes turn everyday spaces into something extraordinary.”

Local historian Hetty Lancaster will host free walking tours over the weekend which delve into the history of the Abbeyhill Colonies.

110 artists will open their homes and gardens in the Colonies, located near the London Road and Easter Road Junction in Edinburgh.

Live music will also be on offer at The Hive Festival Hub, featuring folk, trad and acoustic tunes.

Speaking about the history of the event, Colony of Artists said the “festival has always been about more than just art”.

“It’s about connection and those who find themselves unexpectedly part of something special.

“It has been fuelled by the dedication of countless individuals who believe in the importance of community, who know that art belongs to everyone, and who understand that creativity flourishes from the ground up.”

Exhibitions, live art demos and a raffle are also planned to take place.

A full programme of events can be found on the Colony of Artists’ site.  

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