Pentlands Open Studios is a collective of professional artists whose studios are united by their location near the upper valley of the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s principal river, and its adjoining walkways. Nestled in the southwest of the city at the foot of the Pentland Hills, the artists work across a variety of media and craft disciplines. Their mission is to connect with both the local community and the broader public through an annual open studio art trail, complemented by a variety of creative events.

Our open studios form a curated programme. We hope to include in the region of 15 venues this year. Venues are located within the environs of the following villages on the Water of Leith: Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno.

Our branding, designed by POSt collective member artist Ron Burnett, is made up of elements found in our area, namely the Pentland Hills and waterwheels driving the mills on the Water of Leith. At one time there were over 70 mills on the Water of Leith, 12 of which were in our area alone.

Pentlands Open Studios is produced by Pentlands Arts Festivals CIC. Pentlands Arts Festivals is a Community Interest Company. It is set up to serve the community and not to make a profit. Our intention is to:

• Run a free annual open studio art trail. Artists and makers in the community will open their studios for a weekend. This allows the public to meet the artists and learn about their processes. Visitors can enjoy a riverside walkway through nature or use local buses. A map and website will be provided guiding the visitors round the trail using public transport, walking or cycling.
• Present cultural talks and demonstration workshops by artists and authors at venues within the community.