Monday 12 May 2014 – Out of the Blue is 20!
Louise Bourgeois’ Sunday Salons: Artist Julie Roberts shares her experience of attending one of Louise Bourgeois’ notorious Sunday Salons in New York. The Studio, Modern Art ONE, National Galleries of Scotland, 12.45-1.30pm. Free and unticketed
Out of the Blue is 20! Exhibition: A Voyage of Discovery depicting many of the iconic images and artefacts of the past 20 years. Until 23rd May, 10am-5pm. Out of The Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street, tel: 0131 555 7100
Blackwell’s Children’s Book Group: for book and biscuit lovers aged 8 to 11 years.Currently reading Cornelia Funke’s The Thief Lord. Group members enjoy 10% discount on books read in group. 6-7pm Blackwell’s,, South Bridge. To join, email your details to childrens.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Leonardo da Vinci: the Mechanics of Man: Professor Peter Abrahams shows how many new concepts in anatomical artistic design were unique to Leonardo’s work & how these have developed into modern medical images. Symposium Hall, Hill Square, 6pm. Free but booking essential via eventbrite. NB: this is a repeat of Professor Abrahams sell-out lecture of 2013. A Surgeons’ Hall event: more information from 0131 527 1711.
St Giles’ Cathedral – informal concert with the Alma Choir from Michigan, USA. 3pm.
Craigmillar Community Arts: Music Workshop. An informal session for anyone over 18 who enjoys music – a chance to jam, get tips from more exprienced musicians, or simply listen and join in when you feel comfortable. 7-10pm, £1. Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. Tel: 0131 669 8432 or see Craigmillar’s website.
Holy Corner Christian Aid Book Sale – continues until Saturday 17th. Morningside United Church, Chamberlain Road. 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, 100am-4pm Saturday. Christian Aid 40th Anniversary Book Sale continues until Friday 16th at St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, George Street. Monday-Wednesday & Friday: 10am-3.30pm, Thursday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday 13 May 2014 – from Love in a Library to How Rock Stars Stole My Life
Craigmillar Community Arts: Women’s Multi Art Group: a new group for women; a chance to enjoy arts, crafts, drawing & painting in a sociable setting. 10-11.30am. Tel: 0131 669 8432 or see Craigmillar’s website.
Tuesday Open Art Studio: learn the basics of painting & drawing. Do your own thing or get assistance from a volunteer tutor. Craigmillar Community Arts, 1-2.30pm, £1. Contact details as above.
Love in a Library: a pop-up opera in association with Edinburgh International Festival: songs by Schumann, Wagner, Gershwin, Schubert and Quilter. Central Library, George IV Bridge. 12.30-1.30pm
The Kick: a film by Andres Veiel, shown as part of a project led by Dora Osborne, Leverhulme Early Career at the University of Edinburgh and supported by the Goethe Institut. The film examines the received ‘facts’ about the murder of a 16 year old boy near Berlin in 2002. Veiel will attend this event for a Q & A session, which will be followed by a drinks reception hosted by the German Consulate General. Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, 7.30-10pm. For 18+ years only. Free tickets can be obtained from WeGotTickets.
How Venetian Was Titian? Tom Nichols, University of Glasgow, asks whether Titian’s works can really be seen as representative of his adoptive city, and highlights the tensions between the individualism of Titian’s paintings and the conservative cultural and social mores of Venice. Scottish National Gallery Hawthornden Theatre (Gardens Entrance), The Mound; 12.45-1.30pm, free and unticketed. (Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Art is on at the Gallery until 14th September.)
Rock Stars Stole My Life! Award-winning writer and broadcaster Mark Ellen in conversation with Bruce Findlay about his new book. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To get your free ticket call in at Blackwell’s front desk or phone 0131 622 8218.
Play Time – Who would you like to be? Enjoy modern drama in an informal, lively way with Andrew Martin and Kate Hendry: the National Library of Scotland’s play-reading group reads a different short play aloud each fortnightly session. No performance, no public audience, no experience necessary. 6-8pm, free, no need to book, but more information form k.hendry@nls.uk. NLS, George IV Bridge.
Stitch ‘n’ Time: award-winning weekly sewing and crafting class led by a professional seamstress. The group focuses on projects to help the community whilst learning new skills & sharing a cuppa! Free and open to all levels and abilities. 1-3pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Tel: 0131 458 3267 or see WHALE’s website for more information.
St Giles’ Cathedral: lunchtime concert with the University of Miami Choir. 12.15pm
Edinburgh University Music Society Chorus & the Frost Chorale from Miami present a free concert with works by Britten, Rutter, Whitaker & Moses Hogan. Retiring collection for Drake Music Scotland. 7.30-10pm, (doors open 7pm), Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk, Greyfriars Place.
Wednesday 14 May – Wiff Waff Wednesday!
Poems Aloud – Ryan Van Winkle: Edinburgh’s Reader in Residence will be sharing poems he carries in his heart, and invites you to bring your favourites along to. Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan, 6.30-7.30pm. Free but booking required via eventbrite.
Gerry Hassan discusses his latest book, Caledonian Dreaming: The Quest for a Different Scotland. 6.30pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street. Free and unticketed. More details from the shop: 0131 662 9112.
Meet The Poet: Donald Campbell holds an informal session to tie in with the exhibition on Street Life in Victorian Edinburgh. Ask questions, talk about poetry, Ned Holt or any of the fascinating characters that Donald has researched from Victorian Edinburgh. Drop into the Huntly Room at the Museum of Edinburgh, 142 Canongate, any time between 11am & 1pm. Contact 0131 529 4143 for information.
Gaelic Referendum Debate: discuss the forthcoming vote in Gaelic. Godfrey Thomson Hall, Thomson’s Land, Holyrood. 6.30-7.30pm. Free but tickets must be booked via eventbrite.
National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge – ‘Wha’s Like Us?’ – an audio tour of the exhibition for people with a visual impairment. 2-3.30pm, free but must be booked via the Library’s website or by calling 0131 623 3734.
Wiff Waff Wednesday: a monthly ping-pong night for all ages, with music, drink and great food at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe, ‘Friendship first, competition second.’ 6-10.30pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free entry, all welcome. For information call Out of the Blue on 0131 555 7100.
Piano Speak: Lunchtime Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral with Will Pickvance. Piano improvisations, audience requests, repartee. 12.15pm.
Get Connected! Digital Skills Academy leads this weekly drop-in session to support learning of all IT skills. Come regularly & you could gain recognised IT qualifications – or just drop in when you have a computer query. Free, 2.30-4.30pm, WHALES – call 0131 458 3267 or see WHALE’S website for details.
Lyceum Youth Theatre – drama club for S1 and S2 pupils. Explore your dramatic side in this youth theatre club, working towards a performance in the summer. 3.45-5.15pm, free. WHALE – for address & contact details above.
World of Dance: Hip-Hop and Street Dance sessions for ages 8+. Free, 5.30-6.30pm, WHALE – see above for contact details.
Craigmillar Community Arts: Open Studio. A chance to do your own art work in the company of other like-minded people in a supportive environment. Basic materials provided. 10.30am-2.30pm, £1. Call 0131 669 8432 or see Craigmillar’s website for more details.
After School Art Club: for children aged 4-12. Experiment, learn from others, be creative and have fun! Craigmillar Community Arts, 5-6.15 pm, £1. Contact details as above.
Thursday 15 May 2014 – STREET ART IN WESTER HAILES
Ruth Thomas: The Home Corner. Edinburgh-based author Ruth introduces her new novel, ‘a funny, tender novel about feeling adrift in the real world for the first time.’ Morningside Library, Morningside Road 6.30-7.30. Free but please contact the library to book a place: 0131 529 5654 or email morningside.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
Alternatively contact The Edinburgh Bookshop who will also book a place for you: 0131 447 1917.
Award winning Polish journalist Witold Szablowski launches ‘The Assassin from Apricot City‘, an insight into the lives of ordinary people in Turkey today. Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street. Free and unticketed. More details on 0131 662 9112.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Jane Mackenzie: Daughter of Catalonia. Jane Mackenzie’s first novel tells the story of a woman returning to her former home in a Catalan village ro uncover the truth about her father’s death in the French Resistance. 6.30-7.30pm. Free tickets available from Blackwell’s front desk, or call 0131 622 8216 to reserve your place.
Craigmillar Community Arts: Open Studio. A chance to drop in, do your own art work or discuss ideas for creative projects with others. 12.30-2.30pm, £1. Call 0131 669 8432 for details or see Craigmillar’s website.
St Giles’ Cathedral: Lunchtime Concert with pianist Anna Rea. 12.15pm.
Drama @ WHALE! – Bring out your dramatic side in WHALE’S drama group ‘Whale’s Without a Cause.’ This term the group is exploring a brand new piece of theatre about life in Wester Hailes for performance in August. New members welcome, no experience necessary, free. WHALE 7-9pm, call 0131 458 3267 or see WHALE’S website for details.
Street Art – out on the streets every Thursday night! Music, craft, art, street dance, poetry, Beatbox – for ages 8-16. Locations around Wester Hailes, times vary (between 6.30 & 8.30pm) – see Street Art’s Facebook page or WHALE’S website, or call 0131 458 3267. A unique outreach project funded by Children In Need.
Adult Learners Week at Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street: Family History Drop-In Day, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Refreshments provided. Limited places: contact the library on 0131 529 5616
Friday 16 May 2014 – Penguins in George Square….
‘If Not Us, Who?’ – a feature film by Andres Veiel, looking at the Red Army Factor from a different viewpoint. Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, 7.30-9.50pm. 18+ only. Free tickets from WeGotTickets.
Craigmillar Community Arts: Creative Writing Workshop. A new group for anyone interested in starting or developing their creative writing skills. A mix of writing tips, some formal instruction, discussion of techniques and topics, writing, sharing, and tea and biscuits! 1-3pm, £1. Call 0131 669 8432 for details, or see Craigmillar’s website.
Craigmillar Community Arts Karaoke Club: experience some real live entertainment whilst boosting your confidence and developing your vocal chords! 7-10pm, £1. Contact details as above.
Science and Swing: the 1940s were an exciting and revolutionary time for many fields of science – find out why! Experts in Geology, Natural History and Genetics will talk about the revolutions in these fields and illustrate these innovations with items from the University of Edinburgh Museum Collections. 11.30am-2.30pm, University of Edinburgh Main Library, George Square. Free but booking essential via eventbrite. Part of the Festival of Museums.
Penguin Popularity: come along to hear about the explosion in popular printing during the 1940s and to see some rare examples from that time. The creation of Penguin Books revolutionised the way we consume literature. A brief history of the development of popular and mainstream printing in the 1940s and why it was so important to daily life. 11.30am-12.30pm, 5th Floor Seminar Room, University of Edinburgh Main Library, George Square. Free but booking essential via eventbrite. Part of the Festival of Museums.
CREATE – arts & crafts sessions for 8-14 year olds. This term includes mosaic, paint sculpture, textiles and trips to exhibitions. WHALE 2.15-4pm, free. Call 0131 458 3267or see WHALE’S website for details.
Saturday 17 May – The Festival of Museums
The Object of Art is to Give Life Shape: learn about the popular artistic styles of the 1940s & explore the limitations on available artistic materials. A demonstration of techniques by Rachel Hosker and Joan Smith will be followed by a chance to have a go yourself. 2-3.30pm, Edinburgh College of Art Sculpture Court, 74 Lauriston Place. Free but places must be booked via eventbrite. Part of the Festival of Museums.
Bruncheon featuring the Sound of Muesli: Bongo Club Performers head down to Leith for the day. Live music plus a delicious brunch menu at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. 11.30am-3pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street: 0131 500 7100
Out of the Blue Showcase Day and Building Tours: come and get a taste of what’s on offer; drama, music, art and circus skills. Tours will include artists at work and a look at the building’s architectural and historic significance. 10am-5pm, drop-in, no need to to book. Call 0131 555 7100 for details.
Surgeons’ Hall: The Great Exhibition – a celebration of the museum as it was, and a chance for you to create artworks and to choose your favourite part of the museum. Architectural drawing, pathology modelling, forensic skull drawing and bookmaking – sessions throughout the day, with special guests too. Entry free today. Art events also free but must be booked via the Museum’s eventbrite (which has details of all sessions) to ensure a place. 10am-3pm. Suitable for all ages but under-12s must be accompanied by an adult. Call 0131 527 1711 for more details.
Wendy Carle Taylor: a special musical performance to mark the last day at the Surgeons’ Hall before it closes for refurbishment. A selection of songs inspired by Edinburgh’s medical history. ‘She moves her audience to tears, laughter, shivers and delight.’ 5-5.40pm. Free tickets available via eventbrite. Contact Surgeons’ Hall for more information: 0131 527 1711. Part of the Festival of Museums.
St Giles’ Cathedral Lunchtime Concert with guitarist Michael Christian Durrant. 12.15pm.
A Broad View: workshop to experiment with unusual format landscape drawings & paper constructions, led by artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb. Adults only. 10.30am-3.30pm, City Arts Centre, 2 Market Street. Free, but booking required – to book contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk
James Craig – Unplugged: Dr Anthony Lewis gives a fascinating insight into the life of James Craig, who at 26 years old won a competition to design Edinburgh’s New Town. 2pm at the City Arts Centre. Adults only. Free: booking as for A Broad View (above.) In partnership with the Cockburn Association and Previously….
Participative, dynamic and HUGE...creating a giant performance drawing. Artist Damien Callan will produce a giant charcoal drawing of a scene in the Centre’s A Capital View exhibition. Visitors can watch the artwork evolve AND can model for figures in the drawing. Free, all ages, 12-5pm and continuing on Sunday. Booking as for A Broad View (above.) Part of the Festival of Museums.
3D Maps – a drop-in workshop for families. Create your own 3D map of Edinburgh. Free, no booking required, 1.30-3.30pm City Arts Centre. 2 Market Street.
Sunday 18 May 2014 – Heart and Soul, and a VERY BIG drawing!
Curing What Ails You: Medicine in the 1940s. The Lothian Health Service Archivist will talk about the advancements in medicine that took place during this period, with an exploration of the Service’s Archive and a chance to see rarely displayed items. St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street, 11-11.45am. Tickets free but must be booked via eventbrite. A Festival of Museums event.
Dynamic, Participative and HUGE! – artist Damian Callan (who we met last year at the airport) will continue to work on a huge charcoal drawing inspired by the City Arts Centre’s A Capital View exhibition. Watch the artwork grow and model for one of the figures in it. Free, all ages, 12-5pm. To book call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk
Electrifying the Guitar: Musical Instruments in the 1940s. During the 1940s, the first solid body for the electric guitar was created, making the Rock& Roll movement possible. This talk will look at the development of one of the world’s most iconic instruments & the technology that led to a revolution. 12-12.45pm St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street. Free but booking essential via eventbrite. A Festival of Museums event.
Winging It: Civil & Military Aviation in the 1940s. Two aviation experts will talk about two very different strands of aviation in Edinburgh at the time. 2-3pm, St Cecilia’s Hall. Free but must be booked via eventbrite. Part of the Festival of Museums.
Victory Kitchen Tea Party: a family event at which parents & children alike can learn about life in Edinburgh in the 1940s. 2.30-4.30pm St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street. Free but booking essential via eventbrite. A Festival of Museums event.
Blackwell’s Teenage Book Group – join in to talk about your favourite books and the latest in teenage fiction. From classics to contemporary, dystopian to historical – the choice is yours. Currently reading Sally Green’s Half Bad. 2-3pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge. To join, email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Members receive a 10% discount on all books read by the group.
Heart and Soul: Hands Across the World. The Church of Scotland celebrates the life of the church through its international heritage: music, swing band, seminars, exhibitors, children’s activities, youth tent. 1-6pm, Princes Street Gardens. Free entry. More details on the Heart & Soul website.
Call to Remembrance: a World War One family roadshow. Scotland’s War Project team will help you to trace your family’s involvement in the Great War. Bring along old papers, photos and documents to get guidance in tracing service records and help in identifying regiments, cap badges, medals, etc. Learn about the local impact of the war in the Lothians. See some iconic WWI items from the collections and learn about the interpretative & conservation work of Edinburgh’s Museums & Galleries. All ages, free. 1pm onwards at Lauriston Castle Gardens, 2a Cramond Road South. tel: 0131 336 2060 or 0131 336 1921.
Please note this event is in the Gardens: there is an admission charge to the Castle itself. Part of the Festival of Museums.
Then you can go and have a lie down……
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