Edinburgh Contemporary Craft work at halfway point

Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts has provided workshop space on Home Street for nine resident artists over the last 18 months.

It now wants to move into new premises in Blair Street, in the Old Town, having outgrown its current home.

It has already raised £8000 thanks to public donations, business sponsorship and the offer of eight months’ free rent from its landlord.

Louise Smith says: “This has been such an amazing process and what has surprised and delighted me more than anything is how many people have offered their help.

“We have received specialist knowledge and services that could otherwise cost a fortune, and so many people have offered to wield a sledgehammer or a paintbrush in order to get the bulk of the building work done for free.

“This together with the crowd-funding campaign, which will pay for the building materials, has turned it into a real community project. It’s empowering to help create a thriving craft community.”