Out of the Blue in Leith is a large former military drill-hall transformed into a participatory and inclusive arts and cultural centre. The space comprises artists’ studios, rehearsal and performance areas, exhibition spaces and an acclaimed café. Since its inauguration in 1994, Out of the Blue has aimed to provide ‘a place where everyone can freely express their creativity, with access to the spaces and resources they need, regardless of who they are or how they choose to create.’
In addition to the Drill Hall, Out of the Blue operates studios in Abbeymount (2 Easter Road EH7 5AN), provides a print service (Out of the Blueprint) and runs a nightclub and performance space, the Bongo Club.
What’s on now, and in the next few months, include:
10 Years exhibition (until Sat 31st October, 10am – 5pm, free entry) presenting stories from Ukraine, collected and illustrated by author, graphic artist and illustrator Sarah Lippett, dating since 2016. Sarah lectures at the University of Edinburgh.
MnB Autumn Craft Market comprises 25 carefully curated handmade stalls, where visitors can enjoy music, art, creativity, community, and ‘pure autumn joy.’ (Sat 3rd October, 10am – 4pm, free entry)
On 8th Oct and 12th Nov, Funk Fair Lates offers a curated mix of quality antiques, mid-century furniture, vintage fashion, homeware, art, records and beautifully made pieces with real character. (4pm – 8pm, £2 / £1)
The TAGS Fest is a market packed with independent creators, a board game zone, panels and workshops. (Sat 17th October, 10am – 5pm, free entry).
Another exhibition, 10 by 10 runs Tues 20th – Thurs 22nd Oct, 10am – 5pm (free entry), celebrating ten years of Art in Healthcare’s Room for Art project, exploring the theme of reflections.
PlayAway for a Day, on Sat 24th October, 10am – 5pm (£0 – £10) is a conference and exhibition from Tinderbox, offering talks, demonstrations, panels and a display of creative technology artworks.
Out of the Blue’s popular Flea Markets (Saturdays 31st Oct and 28th Nov, 10am – 3pm, free entry) offer fifty stalls packed with pre-loved clothes, jewellery, books, games, antiques and collectibles.
Plus, on Saturday 7th November, 10am – 3pm (free entry) there’s an Innovative Books Fair – a new literature exhibition, based on the 35-year career of Kenny Redmond from Innovative Books.
The Wee Gay Market on Sat 14th November, 11am – 5pm (free entry) showcases queer makers from the local community and brings people together for fun free craft activities.
The MNB Winter Craft Market On Sat 5th – Sun 6th Dec, 10am – 4pm is MNB’s 100% handmade Christmas market, with 30+ independent makers each day, creative workshops, free entry and festive goodness.
With the above being only a sample, the full line-up is available to view on Out of the Blue’s website.
A Winter Open Studios event at Out of the Blue’s sister venue Abbeymount Studios on Sat 28th and Sun 29th Nov (12noon – 5pm, free entry) offers the chance to meet the Studios’ resident artists and makers. Everything on display is hand-made at the Studios, with fashion and textiles, ceramics and glass, photography, painting, printmaking, illustration, and more.
