🪩 Edinburgh Culture Minute: 29 Jan - 4 Feb 2025
Leith Theatre saved with 50-year lease, Summerhall launches Meadows Award, Hamish Hawk's homecoming + new jobs in fashion and festivals
Welcome to the 75th weekly edition of the Culture Minute, a round-up of Edinburgh’s local creative news, events, jobs and opportunities. If I’ve missed anything please get in touch.
This week I learned something that really cheered me about you, the readers of this newsletter: The most-clicked link in last week’s edition was to a new government survey seeking views on how culture and the arts are currently supported in Scotland, seeking input on areas for change. I’d always hoped there would be room for a newsletter dedicated to the types of people who want more support for local independent arts. Every week, when I look at the things you click on, you prove to me I’ve found that audience of people who take action to make things better for others. I wasn’t sure how to reach you but over the space of almost two years, you’ve helped me do it collectively through word of mouth. So thank you. Please keep on sharing this newsletter with people who might also find it useful.
The most-viewed links from the last Edinburgh Culture Minute:
- 📝 New government survey on culture sector support. < Get involved! If you want change, they’re literally asking for your input right here.
- 🌍 How the National Galleries of Scotland staff organise climate efforts.
- 🎨 This year’s programme of adult craft workshops at Lauriston Castle.
News:
🎭 Leith Theatre has been ‘saved from the risk of private redevelopment’ thanks to a new 50-year lease. It’s the culmination of a 20-year campaign by the Leith Theatre Trust, who say the deal ‘cements the future of the iconic venue, allowing a stable foundation for future ambitions.’
⮑ Leith Theatre Chief Executive Lynn Morrison says the venue is now ‘investment-ready’:
“I feel so proud to play a part in safeguarding such a unique and incredible heritage asset, so many of which are now commonly under threat. Saving this particular building has been a strong local response to that threat. The lease now gives us the stability to develop and steer this project towards refurbishment and sustainability as a key piece of cultural infrastructure in the city. I believe this space can be transformational for Leith and I am excited to plan for its long-term future.”
⮑ ‘The security of a long-term lease should enable the Trust is plan for long-term development and, crucially, seek the investment required to transform the venue into a sustainable and vibrant cultural space,’ writes Thom Dibdin on All Edinburgh Theatre.
🎭 People looking to work in theatre can get involved with the next ‘Find Your Light’ day at the Festival Theatre Studio on 8 February. You can network with people who are working on the theatre’s current production of Mary Poppins, then get involved in hands-on workshops with experts in performance, costume and dance. - Take Part: Find Your Light - Capital Theatres.
🎨 Summerhall Arts has launched a new funding scheme called the Meadows Award, aimed at supporting all artists of colour during the festivals. The deadline to apply is 21 February. - More details.
📆 Find more local film events, screenings and opportunities in this week’s Cinetopia newsletter, including: Dog-friendly screenings, music and composer networking, Japanese documentaries, filmmaker Q&As, family-friendly cinema, plus opportunities, funds and courses for aspiring filmmakers.
