Visual Arts

If you are an art lover or just enjoy the relaxing pastime of wondering around some of the UK’s finest galleries, then Edinburgh has much to offer. Edinburgh also has an excellent art pedigree with its annual student shows and vibrant art spaces that range from art studios that open to the public a couple of times a year, to festivals and workshops.

Public Art Venues in Edinburgh

• National Galleries of Scotland (National Gallery of Scotland, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Royal Scottish Academy Building, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Gallery)
• Talbot Rice Gallery
• City Art Centre
• Queen's Gallery, Holyrood.

Which organisations support artists in Edinburgh?

• Studying in Edinburgh
• Grant providing organisations:
  • Scottish Arts Council
  • WASPS
  • Stills
  • Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
  • Edinburgh Printmakers

Private galleries in Edinburgh

Have a look in the Edinburgh Gallery Guide for tips for what’s on in Edinburgh’s many private galleries. Also, here’s a few of Edinburgh’s better known galleries:

• Fruitmarket Gallery
• Doggerfisher
• Ingleby Gallery

Where can you buy art?

• Scottish Arts Council produce a useful guide on buying art.

Where are the big art exhibitions in and around Edinburgh?

• Edinburgh Gallery Guide
• National Galleries of Scotland
• VisitScotland

What are the main visual art events in Scotland throughout the year?

• Edinburgh Art Festival
• Glasgow Art Fair
• Pittenweem Arts Festival
• North East Open Studios
• Spring Fling