Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW) has grown from a small artist-run collective set up in 1986 to one of Scotland’s leading visual arts organisations with world-class production facilities. Our artist-focussed ethos is as strong today as it was over 30 years ago. Our vision is to provide the best environment in which to support artists as they build their careers, to contribute to the development of critical thinking and creative learning within contemporary sculpture, and to create outstanding experiences for audiences. Housed in a purpose-built facility which opened in 2012, ESW plays a vital role in visual arts in Scotland - providing access to specialist production facilities, supporting artists’ research and opening up contemporary sculpture to a diverse audience through our learning programmes. ESW is a membership organisation and plays an important role in the life of its surrounding community. What is Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop? Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop is a specialist space where artists can learn, develop and produce art. It is made up of 26 artist studios, 2 project spaces and 4 specialist workspaces including wood, metal and mixed-media workspaces and a foundry. There is also a courtyard, exhibition spaces, residency apartments and a public café. Our building was opened in 2012 and is a large, purpose-built £6.6M development based in Newhaven, Edinburgh. Who does Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop make a difference to? Professional Artists: supported through subsidised studios, specialist workspaces and equipment, international residencies and exchanges, events and exhibitions, employment, tutoring, mentoring and our research programme. Public: courses: workshops, events, talks and exhibitions are open to the public throughout the year. Pupils: a dedicated learning programme supports primary 5 pupils from 2 local schools. Patrons: a member base who have the opportunity to access specialist workspaces and machinery and which forms a professional network and community of practice. How is Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop funded? Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop receives funding from Creative Scotland and is a Regularly Funded Organisation for the period April 2018 to March 2021. We also receive annual funding from City of Edinburgh Council. Both funders are key stakeholders in the organisation. We raise funds from trusts and foundations to support our running costs and programme and generate income mainly through space rental, specialist services and learning activities. How and when did Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop start? Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop was set up in 1986 by a group of graduates from Edinburgh College of Art’s Sculpture School and was an artist-led organisation until 2003 when a new management structure was put in place. The organisation was first located in WASPS, Albion Road. We moved to Newhaven where we remained in an old railway shed for over 20 years before creating a new £6.6M purpose-built facility on our site. This provides inspiring spaces for research, production and learning as well as public spaces for exhibition, meetings and talks.
