A call was issued to emerging artists by Virgin Hotels Edinburgh which has set up an Artist in Residence programme to support the capital’s creative community.
The first artist who has been appointed is Charlie Yates who graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2019.
The hotel will open a space in the Unicorn Room for the successful artist who will be able to enjoy the purpose built creative studio for three months. The room has views over the city from the turret in the former Old India Buildings, and inspiration inside from the mural painted by Studio Giftig.
The Artist in Residence will have access to a free gallery space in the Oculus Lounge where their work may be displayed. Hotel guests may also book a tour of the studio during their stay.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “The Virgin brand was developed from the desire to give a platform to incredible artists, and this is something we want to echo at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
“Our Artist in Residence initiative is something new that we’re bringing to the city, and we’re so pleased to welcome Charlie Yates to our incredible Unicorn Room and see the artistic process first hand from the studio upstairs. This partnership will also offer something new for our guests as they get the chance to not only browse his incredible artwork but talk to him personally about the inspiration behind it.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming more local artists to the studio this year and seeing their work displayed on the staircase leading up to the Oculus lounge. For any artist who would like to work with us and have your work displayed in the Hotel, I’d encourage you to apply.”
Charlie Yates, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh employee and current Artist in Residence, said: “My first experience of working as the Artist in Residence has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to work from one of the best locations in Edinburgh and now have my first round of work on display for guests to see within the Hotel.
“I look forward to the remainder of the residency with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to create a collection that speaks to such an exciting, iconic brand and enhances the overall experience of the guests who visit.”
Now the hotel is opening up applications for the next artist who would like to enjoy the space and the opportunity to show their work in the hotel.
For more information email: artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
