City Centre
Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust
Awarded £2316 for the provision of free creative sessions for Edinburgh’s Old Town Residents.
The Art Club at the Crannie Community Hub, run by Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust has flourished and remained consistently popular. The free weekly creative sessions promote social connection, wellbeing and community engagement through accessible arts and crafts activities.
The group is drop-in so people can attend whenever suits them. It is particularly aimed at people who may lack confidence in attending groups, or in their artistic abilities, creating a welcoming environment where people can learn in an informal and social way at their own pace. The group also occasionally goes on trips to exhibitions and museums around Old Town, so that participants can gain inspiration from different places.
The group has organically developed a particular focus on creating art based around Edinburgh Old Town, although with flexibility for attendees to work on their own projects. The facilitator, Ross, shows participants how to use a variety of mediums each week and supports attendees to develop their style and technique. One member said “The Art Club provides a creative space where I feel I can relax and do my art in a calm and safe environment. I like coming here and Ross has been great with us. It provides a sense