Out of the Blue (OotB) has won an inaugural Creative Edinburgh Award.
The Dalmeny Street studio/gallery space, venue, café and arts hub triumphed in a competition recognising those creative organisations in the capital which have united, inspired or promoted their peers over the last 12 months.
At last night's Summerhall ceremony and celebration, OotB was particularly acclaimed for its role in 'uniting the creative community of Edinburgh to spark business opportunities and collaborations'. North Edinburgh residents have been singing its praises for years.
Up against several other nominees chosen by the public in the same Unite category, it was the unanimous choice of the judging panel. Manager Rob Hoon (left of picture) and Technical Administration Assistant Jack Caldwell were photographed this morning, holding aloft the stylish and multi-purpose award itself.
Out of the Blue developed as a community arts and education centre between 2003 and 2010. As well as its existing activities, says Hoon, the organisation will focus its attention over the next few months on:
- running the Bongo Club beneath the Central Library
- developing the inhouse Café Training Project for young people, and setting up a pedal-powered outside catering wing
- expanding musical collaborations with the Bongo Club and City of Edinburgh Council
- setting up creative training apprenticeships for young people with locally based artists.
Creative Edinburgh – the group behind the awards – was established in 2011 with a mixture of Council funding and private-sector support. In addition to uniting the creative community (as described above), it aims to inspire 'through an innovative programme that encourages networking and the exchange of industry expertise'; and to promote Edinburgh as 'a Creative talent hub, profiting the creative businesses and freelancers within our community'.
Last night's award winners in full:
Promote Award: Location Scotland
Inspire Award: Media Education
Unite Award: Out of the Blue
Creative Edinburgh Awards: Song, by Toad; Leith Late; Edinburgh International Fashion Festival
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