The UK’s first multi-disciplinary craft workshop, gallery and shop will launch in Edinburgh next month thanks to five figure funding from Creative Scotland.
Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts (ECC) provides access to high quality workshop facilities for new and established makers plus gallery space and a range of exciting craft courses available to the public.
The Creative Scotland funding of up to £14,917, made available through its Small Capital Programme to assist in the improvement of facilities across Scotland, will enable ECC to provide permanent workshop space with tools and equipment for designer makers; create the gallery space, and expand the public craft course programme.
The new ECC gallery – named ‘Cabinet’ – will exhibit and sell the best of Scottish contemporary craft, including a selection from around the UK, as well as enabling makers to showcase their work to those interested in buying and collecting contemporary craft.
Cabinet officially opens at the Winter Show launch being held from 6.30-9pm on Thursday 17 October 2013.
Louise Smith, who established ECC in 2011, said:- “The Creative Scotland funding is obviously fantastic news as it enables us to finish off the workshops and provide much needed craft facilities for new and established designer makers. It also means we can complete our new gallery Cabinet which will sell high quality contemporary crafts unique to the makers and hold exhibitions throughout the year.”
Thanks to over 1000 volunteer hours, the ECC premises on Blair Street, in Edinburgh’s Old Town, have been restored to their former glory. The workshop space now provides courses in screen printing, illustration, crafted textiles, book binding, dressmaking, jewellery and upholstery – which opened to the public in June – with the second round of courses kicking off later this month.
Louise added:- “This has all been possible thanks to the Creative Scotland funding and a group of really hard-working volunteers who’ve been able to turn their hands to many things. It’s been exhausting but a lot of fun and already you can feel the creative energy as everyone begins to move in and the workshops fill up.”
Leonie Bell, Acting Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said:- “Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts is a vibrant, developing centre for creating and learning about craft. It’s great that with this support they are enhancing the facilities and opportunities they offer to both makers and members of the public.”
All those involved in running Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts are practicing makers who are passionate about their craft, enjoy teaching, and believe that craft can be a catalyst for social and personal change. The move to Blair Street has helped to support new and established makers and aims to encourage public appreciation and enjoyment of quality Scottish craft.
Before and after pictures of the renovation are available to view here: http://www.edinburghcontemporarycrafts.co.uk/renovations.html
Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts
• ECC provides a multi-disciplinary workshop which supports new and established makers and encourages collaboration and innovation while developing a thriving craft community
• ECC engages all areas of the community through courses, projects and membership while promoting public appreciation of craft through a permanent gallery and shop and a changing exhibition programme
• For further information on courses visit: http://www.edinburghcontemporarycrafts.co.uk/coursebooking.html
Email: info@edinburghcontemporarycrafts.co.uk
Louise Smith Mobile: +44 (0)7816 640298
Follow ECC on twitter: @EdinburghCrafts
Follow Cabinet on twitter: @cabinetedinb
Submitted by Samantha Mckay-Challen
