Social impact
Our social impact projects help to overcome the challenges of displaced artists, and particularly those who are new to the area, face when trying to make a living from their creative work.
The primary beneficiaries are people in Edinburgh with lived experience of displacement, forced relocation, conflict, war, or persecution, including people who have recently arrived and those who have been here for years but still face significant barriers to Scotland's creative sector and sustainable creative career.
Many of our participants are isolated from mainstream community life; the artist circles create consistent, trusted connections across communities, reducing that isolation directly.
The barriers our participants face are compounding: language, low income, limited professional networks, uncertainty about immigration status, and limited knowledge of how things work here.
Many are skilled and experienced artists whose creative careers were interrupted when they fled.
Our professional development programme addresses these barriers practically through the content of sessions, through the connections we make between participants and institutions, and through the simple act of bringing people together regularly in spaces that feel welcoming rather than institutional.
Creative Spark Time
We run weekly art and well-being workshops for the displaced
community, inviting those who want to explore creativity, socialize, and improve their
mental well-being in a fun environment. In collaboration with LifeWithArt charity,
participants not only learn new artistic skills but also build relationships and networks
that enhance their sense of belonging and overall well-being.
Artists Circles
These are held in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland
providing a supportive environment where displaced creatives can explore various ways
to enhance their careers and develop their artistic profiles in Scotland.