Home News Take a look at Window Wanderland

Take a look at Window Wanderland

March 18, 2018 12:47 pm

Window Wanderland transformed Leith streets into outdoor art galleries this month and the results were on display last nigh. The Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has a subsidiary company Quay Community Improvements (Quay) which encouraged community groups, business owners and people living in the area to decorate their windows.

Backed by Big Lottery Awards for All fund and with support from The City of Edinburgh Council, Dr Bells Family Centre, Multi-Cultural Family Base, The Junction (young people’s service), YMCA, Inspiring Leith, Leith Creative and other local businesses this is a first for the capital.

Residents, Local shops and business took part including YMCA Women’s Group, whose artwork was displayed at Tesco’s on Great Junction Street.

Quay used the Big Lottery funding to provide arts materials for workshops, and offering artists’ services to help those taking part to create window displays for the event.

Clare Halliday, Business & Communities Initiatives Manager at Quay said: “The aim of Window Wanderland is to engage with the community of Leith and to celebrate the area by encouraging local people and visitors to go for an evening walk around the neighbourhood to admire the artwork.

“It has a proven track record in bringing communities together, attracting new visitors and business. We’re aiming to make that happen here in Leith too and to transform the streets for everyone to enjoy.”

Residents, Local shops and business took part including Leith Festival, whose artwork was displayed in Deery Funeral Services on Taylor Gardens.

Lotte Walters from Leith Festival which is creating a window display for the event, said: “Window Wanderland is a great opportunity for the Leith community to come together and for us to raise the profile of our organisation and get people talking to us about the future of their festival. We can’t wait to see what Leithers come up with for their windows and to have the chance to get out and talk to everyone who is taking part in the event!”

Ian Dyson, Inspiring Leith Co-ordinator said: “Window Wanderland is an accessible way for local people to get involved in a creative activity and Great Junction Street will benefit from something positive taking place bringing the community together.”