Returning to Edinburgh’s New Town from June 6th, following a hugely successful inaugural year, NT Art Month, Edinburgh’s newest festival which celebrates the commercial galleries of the New Town, returns to offer an engaging and accessible entryway for Edinburgh visitors of all ages. Featuring eleven of the city’s finest galleries, NT Art Month promotes a diverse range of opportunities to explore the spaces, meet with some of the gallery directors and artists in residence, live painting and something for the kids.
We were fortunate enough to spend some time with The Watson Gallery, take a look around, and expand upon what this festival can bring to the city.
“Are you excited to be part of NT Art Month again?“
“Of course, it’s great to have a gallery-focused event for art lovers in the area. It’s also an opportunity for us to hold a couple of special events to introduce new visitors to our artists. We have always enjoyed a special connection with those who live in New Town; many of our clients live within just a few streets of our location, so it’s lovely to think that they will be able to enjoy immersing themselves in art this month.”
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate the art galleries in the New Town?
“It’s such an unusual area with so many galleries, the sheer number of artists represented over such a small space is incredible. It’s also incredibly important to remind local residents that Edinburgh is about much more than just the August festivals — as wonderful as those are, it can leave the impression that Edinburgh only ever has arts events once per year! NT Art month feels like it really belongs to the local area, in a way that the bigger festivals rarely do.“
“Do you think that independent spaces get overlooked in this busy climate, especially in a city with such major public spaces? “
“They can be, but in a district that is characterised by the presence of art the way New Town is, we receive a fair number of visitors who come to enjoy the local galleries, both large and small. However, the smaller, independent galleries of this area also provide a contrast to the larger, established institutions, offering a chance to experience art in a more casual and intimate setting.“
“You’re surrounded by lots of galleries – which is your favourite one to visit?“
“We can’t play favourites! In any case, an ‘arty’ day out in New Town doesn’t feel complete until you’ve visited every gallery. The map for NT Art Month looks very alike to those I have seen sketched out by many of our visitors planning to hit all their favourite spots before the end of the day.”
“Which is the favourite object you have in your exhibition for NT Art Month and why should people visit your space?“
“We love ‘Pink and Proud,’ a large format collage portrait by Thai artist Virut Panchabuse. With the famously high ceilings of New Town homes, we make a point to bring in large format artworks to fill those giant walls, and Virut is an example of an artist who has really resonated with local clients. Our space is filled with large and small artworks from artists around the world, as well as local talent, with something for everyone to enjoy!“
