Arts
Our fabulous Arts Festival is back! This is our second year running Edinburgh's only LGBT Arts Festival and we have a programme that is packed. Some of last year's favourite's are back with some exciting new events. Please book places for the events by contacting the Centre direct.
Wednesday 3rd February - Writing Our Histories 1: Story workshop with Ellen Galford
7-9pm
The first of our series of workshops for LGBT History Month. Come along for a fascinating workshop with writer and activist Ellen Galford, on making our LGBT histories into compulsive stories.
Saturdays from 6th February - Photography Course (5 weeks)
11-1pm
Join Alistair Wight, Freelance Photographer on this 5 week exploration of photography!
On this course you will try out studio portraiture, street photography and landscape photography as well as getting inspired weekly with a look at the inspiring characters in the world of photography. You will be encouraged and advised on how to make a photographic project out of your own ideas and interests. This course will develop your personal photography skills as well as grounding your practice in the wider history of photography as an art form.
Participants need their own camera, and are encouraged to bring a collection of images (photos, pages from magazines etc) to the first session to help spark ideas and themes.
Wednesday 17th February - Writing Our Histories 2: Playwriting workshop with Jo Clifford
7-9pm
Award-winning playwright Jo Clifford joins us for a workshop on writing for the stage.
Sunday 21st February - Sculpture Workshop
1-5pm Edinburgh Sculpture Workshops, Hawthornvale, Newhaven
Join Edinburgh-based sculptor Rocca Gutteridge for another exploration of inflatable sculpture! The session will begin with an introduction to current sculpture techniques, followed by a demonstration and explanation of inflatable sculpture, and where it fits within contemporary practise. We will then be producing a collection of inflatable sculptures, in full colour, with a themed back-drop to be displayed at our exhibition evening on Friday 12 March!
This workshop is suitable for all levels and abilities, and no previous experience of sculpture is required. Tea and biscuits will be provided.
Saturday 27th February - Painting Workshop
1-4pm
Everyone is different and expresses themselves differently. Work as an individual with fine artist/collager Gillian Davies to create a small mixed-media panel of your own - and see with Gillian's help how an individual work can become an integral but distinct part of a stunning collective work.
No previous experience is necessary, but booking is encouraged to allow us to get enough materials in advance!
Sunday 28th February - Lampshade making Workshop
1-4pm
A general crafts afternoon, where we will be using recycled materials and scraps to make beautiful lampshades for our homes! Think beads, buttons, fabric, papier-mache, textiles etc. All materials will be provided, and all levels of creative ability are catered for. Come and light up your lampshade!!
Wednesday 3rd March - Writing Our Histories 3: Poetry Workshop with Sophia
7-9pm
Slam poet Sophia Walker, finalist at the 2009 BBC Poetry Slam, leads a workshop that aims to get you on your feet and performing your own poetry by the end of the night.
Saturday 6th March - Play in a Day
10-4pm
Intense, dramatic, fun-filled, tragic, funny, lyrical....
All this and more can be expected at this dramatic whirlwind event! Arrive a lost and wandering soul, and leave 6 hours later, a dramatically focussed and fulfilled thespian.
We will be creating a play in a day - going through the entire process of script selection, character development and rehearsal, preparing a one-off performance for our Festival Exhibition evening on Friday 12th March.
Sunday 7th March - Band in a Day
10-4pm
Dust off your drums, and tune up your tuba - this is your chance to be in a band!! Bring your instrument along in the morning and meet your other band mates, spend the day rehearsing, choosing, and even writing songs, and get ready for your first performance on Friday 12th March at our Festival Exhibition evening!
Friday 12th March - Exhibition and Performance Evening
7-9pm
Edinburgh's own LGBT Arts Festival presents itself to you - the opening of the Arts Festival exhibition, and performances from our musical and dramatic workshops!
Sunday 21st March - National Galleries Diane Arbus Transgender Workshop 1
1-5pm Dean Gallery
The New York photographer Diane Arbus (1923-1971) produced an extraordinary body of striking portraits which redefined the art of photography. She was also a prolific diarist and letter writer. Her work gives voice to many on the outskirts of society, portraying and representing those individuals who might otherwise never be seen. Join Photographer Alicia Bruce and Writer Helen Boden for a two part workshop to explore and discuss her work and then create personal visual and written responses.
This workshop is open to all transgendered individuals, and is a wonderful opportunity to engage with and respond to this important and valuable collection within a safe environment. No previous artistic experience is necessary.
Meet at the Main Entrance of the Dean Gallery, Belford Road
Max 15 places
Free but booking essential
Saturday 27th March - National Galleries LGBT Diane Arbus Tour
2-3pm Dean Gallery
Guided tour of the exhibition of over 60 photographs by the New York photographer Diane Arbus from the ARTIST ROOMS collection - especially facilitated for LGBT individuals. A wonderful opportunity to be guided around this extensive collection of Arbus' work, and engage with themes and questions raised.
Meet at the Main entrance of the Dean Gallery, Belford Road
Max 20 places
Free, booking essential
