Out of the Blue’s new Abbeymount Studios will be a new hub for young artists in Edinburgh

A leading community arts trust in Edinburgh has expanded to allow more people to use its services.

Out of the Blue’s new Abbeymount Studios will be a new hub for young artists in the city, allowing them to nurture and grow their businesses.

The facility, in the former Regent Road School building, will initially operate as studio and workshop space for resident makers.

Over the course of a five-year lease it will be developed to offer its members access to specialist tools, experienced practitioners and courses for professional development.

Rob Hoon, Out of the Blue manager, said, “Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios will contribute to the area’s economic growth, creation of place, and community engagement.

“It is another example of Out of the Blue’s ability to strategically reuse Edinburgh’s building infrastructure to establish much needed space for employment and participatory educational and recreational activity, to contribute significantly to Edinburgh’s vibrancy.”

This project has been funded by Creative Scotland and Social Investment Scotland, with support from Creative Edinburgh, Craft Scotland, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Clive Gillman, director of creative Industries at Creative Scotland, said: “We’re very pleased that Out of the Blue have been able to take on Abbeymount Studios, protecting the future of a significant number of Scotland’s most important small creative businesses through the provision of sustainable studio space.

“We know they have worked hard to make this happen and their ambition and professionalism have enabled a very positive outcome.”