Edinburgh Art

Susie, The Dandelion Project, courtesy Red Door Gallery

With the entire population of Scotland over a million less than that of London, it is not difficult to see why the country is considered rather less of a cultural hub than some of its European counterparts. But, this preconception is a mistake; August sees Scotland’s capital city transformed into a cultural oasis as the largest arts festival in the world rolls into Edinburgh for the 61st annual Fringe Festival. Alongside this hullabaloo runs the Edinburgh Art Festival, bringing together an array of specially commissioned events and exhibitions in a programme of international magnitude. Below are just a few of the must-see galleries in the capital city, to whet your arty appetite.

The Red Door Gallery
Situated in the popular Grassmarket area of the old town, The Red Door Gallery is an individual boutique space brimming with original and kitsch pieces of art. Maintained by three ladies who claim to be the friendliest you will meet whilst out in Edinburgh, their humour is reflected in the range of quirky modern art ( such as Susie, The Dandelion Project, pictured ) design led pieces and delectable gifts which support emerging as well as established artists and designers.
Address: 42 Victoria Street, Edinburgh , EH1 2JW
Open: Monday-Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm, Saturday: 11am-5.30pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Admission: Free
www.edinburghart.com

Stills
Thirty years ago, Stills was the first Scottish gallery specialising in contemporary photography and has expanded its ongoing showcase of internationally important images to include gallery space for six resident artists every year. Cataloguing the history of technical advances right through to the influence of modern day images in popular culture, the gallery is a must-see for photography fans.
And for those emerging and established professionals there are on-site darkrooms and digital production facilities professing to be the best in Scotland.
Address: 23 Cockburn St, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1BP
Open: Monday-Sunday: 11am-6pm
Admission: Free
www.stills.org

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
A retrospective of Tracey Emin’s last twenty years as an artist, opening in August, is the  gallery's summer highlight. The ground floor is  always dedicated to special temporary exhibitions -  such as last year's  Martin Creed’s famous Work No.370 Balls -  with the first floor  home to an extensive collection of the best in contemporary art, dating from the beginning of the twentieth century and including works from Picasso, Hockney, Warhol and Gilbert & George. An excellent afternoon if you can navigate your way there, as there is no longer a free gallery bus and the building is  a good fifteen minutes walk from Princes Street, Edinburgh’s central artery.
Address: 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR
Open : Daily: 10am-5pm (10am-6pm August 1st-31st for Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
Admission: Free but may be a small charge for special exhibitions
www.nationalgalleries.org

Scottish National Portrait Gallery
This purpose built gallery has an impressive, visually striking presence overlooking Edinburgh’s New Town. Housing an even more impressive collection of images reflecting the historical importance of some of Scotland’s leading figures and modern works of cultural significance from all over the world, the gallery is again divided into permanent and temporary collections which are open free of charge all year round. 
Address: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
Open: Daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays 10am-7pm (10am-6pm, Thursdays until 7pm, August 1st-31st  for Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
www.nationalgalleries.org

The Out Of The Blue Drill Hall
Out Of The Blue, a Scottish arts and education trust, purchased an old army drill hall in 2003 and refurbished it with the sole intention of creating a space which promoted participation in the arts. They succeeded in creating one of the most imaginative and lively spaces in the city, holding over fifty artists’ studios, exhibition space, workshops and rehearsal areas, alongside a cafe and a studio theatre. Creative displays vary from ceramic exhibitions, to paintings, photography and theatrical performances over a rolling programme.
Address: 36 Dalmeny Street , Edinburgh , EH6 8RG
Open: 10am-8pm, Monday to Saturday
Admission: Free
www.outoftheblue.org.uk

Heather Minto

Edinburgh Art Festival, 31st July - 31st August, www.edinburghartfestival.org
Edinburgh Fringe Festival :  3rd - 25th August, www.edfringe.com

• add to del.icio.us
• digg this article!