Art Rooms at Cockenzie House

This summer Scotland's capital is buzzing with new art. The excitement and pleasure, as always, is in finding those rare gems that are tucked out of the way. Just a short drive from central Edinburgh, Cockenzie House – historic building set within beautiful listed gardens – plays perfect host to a major summer festival of contemporary art.

Organised by Edinburgh arts organisation Black Cube Collective, Art Rooms at Cockenzie House will bring together more than twenty emerging international artists for an innovative programme of exhibitions and education. Artists include Rachel Maclean, who won the 2013 Margaret Tait Award and Ruth Thomas shortlisted for this year’s RSW Award.

In the imposing shadow of the now disused Cockenzie Power Station, contemporary artists will engage with local history and location to present a variety of exciting new artwork including painting, sculpture, installation, video and performance. Traditional and cutting edge technology will come together for a unique and ambitious series of events including classes, workshops and talks. Two Artist’s Residencies will also take place on site and visitors will have the opportunity to experience works as they develop.

The central concept behind Art Rooms is that contemporary artists will each be provided one room or space within Cockenzie House and Gardens to install their own art either individually or collaboratively. It is intended to bring contemporary art and artists out of the city centre to a new and unexplored location and to introduce them to a new audience. Art Rooms will provide a unique opportunity for community engagement with contemporary art and a vibrant addition to the Edinburgh Festival.

Ronald Binnie, Chairperson of Black Cube Collective said, “We are very excited to offer this opportunity for up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work in a unique location and to take contemporary art out of the city centre.”