Pentlands Open Studios is a collective of professional artists united by location (the upper valley of the Water of Leith in the southwest of Edinburgh) and a shared mission to forge inspiring connections with other like-minded creators, local art lovers and the broader public through their annual Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail and much more.

We are seeking professional artists and makers for our Art Trail 2026

The Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail (POSt) is a curated programme. We carefully select all our artists to maintain a professional standard. Our studios and venues are situated within the village areas of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton on the Water of Leith. If you do not have a studio within this area, we have limited venues with spaces that we can offer to successful applicants.

For 2026, we plan to include approximately 15 studio venues exhibiting approximately 25 artists.

Dates & Opening Times

Studios will be open to the public on:

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026
10.00am – 4.00pm each day

All participating artists are required to open their studios for the full duration of the advertised hours. This ensures a consistent and positive experience for visitors, allowing them to travel freely between venues without disappointment.

Marketing & Promotion

As part of the Art Trail, each selected artist will benefit from:

• A section in the POSt printed brochure.
• A page on the POSt website.
• A marketing plan with digital graphic assets.

We will be distributing our substantial full colour brochure in June/July 2026.

Press releases and social media posts will be made at appropriate times. Participating artists are encouraged to make their own social media posts and support ours with likes, shares and comments.

We anticipate that venues in the four villages can expect in excess of 500 visitors over the weekend. During the 2025 trail, all artists sold work.

We know that 40% of visitors bought something from our artists, many connections were made, and our art trail got a 4.5 out of 5-star rating in the visitor survey.

Participating artists are expected to:

• Share information about the Art Trail on their own social media channels
• Support POSt promotions through likes, shares and comments

How to Apply

This section explains how to apply to be part of the POSt Art Trail 2026.

The significant dates are as follows:

• Applications open 10th January
• Deadline for applications is 14th February 
• Announcements made by 7th March

Please follow the instructions carefully. Applications are in two parts:

1. Complete the online application form below
2. Email the following materials:
   • One image of yourself
   • Four images of your work
   • A short CV

Application deadline: Friday 14 February, 10.00pm. We need all materials by this deadline to allow sufficient time for assessment.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Panel of professional artists using the following criteria:

• Professional practice:
  The submitted CV demonstrates a high standard of professional artistic practice.
• Quality of work:
  The submitted images provide clear evidence of:
  • A coherent and well-developed body of work
  • Quality, consistency and professionalism
  • A thoughtful and effective approach to presentation
• Studio location:
  If you are proposing your own studio, it must be located within the defined geographic area. Applicants without a suitable studio may request consideration for alternative spaces, subject to availability.

Booking & Fees

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email. We aim to do this by 7 March 2026.

Artists offered a place on the Art Trail will receive an invoice alongside their offer, payable by 14 March 2026. Payment of a participation fee (full details are provided in the application form) confirms your place on the trail. This fee contributes directly to the marketing and promotional costs of the event.

Artists who need to use venues provided by POSt will be asked to pay a slightly higher fee. The fee reflects the additional costs involved.

No payment is required unless your application is successful.

Call for Venues

If you have any interesting spaces, please let us know. These spaces could be used by an artist or maker during our Art Trail weekend.

We are searching for unusual, beautiful, and distinctive spaces. These spaces should be able to house an artist or two over the weekend of the 15th and 16th August 2026. We require that the space be accessible to the public and the building insured.

If you have any questions, you can contact us here.

Application Forms

Please complete all forms below.