Place Work Folk- the ECCAN Arts Subnetwork

Join local group Artist as Advocate for a series of monthly meet-ups and workshops for Edinburgh-based artists (all disciplines and cultural workers included), to support individuals and collectives committed to addressing the climate and ecological crisis in their practice. The project, supported by ECCAN and delivered by the Artist as Advocate programme, seeks to inspire and sustain a network of artists, encourage collaborations across disciplines, and, where appropriate, embed artists in local communities.

When: Nov 10th, Dec 8th, Jan 12th, Feb 9th, March 23rd – times vary (see below)
FREE – with expenses paid and lunch provided

Programme overview

Meet-up 1
Nov 10th, 10am-2pm
Guided tour of Juane Quick-to-See Smith’s posthumous exhibition, Wilding, at the Fruitmarket Gallery, followed by an informal lunch, personal introductions and an overview of the Artist as Advocate programme (including opportunities to shape the programme as it develops).

Meet-up 2
Dec 8th, 10am-2pm
Based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, this session focuses on storytelling (when applied across disciplines). Inspired by the concept of Thrutopia, theatre-maker Hazel Darwin-Clements will help us reflect on the power of stories as a framing tool for our engagement with the climate and ecological crisis. Includes lunch and further discussion.

Meet-up 3
Jan 12th, 10am-4pm (extended session)
Guided tour of The Patrick Geddes Centre, including an introduction to Geddes’ life and work, followed by lunch and an extended workshop led by members of the Artist as Advocate team. The aim of this session is to start developing a creative manifesto for artists engaged in the climate and ecological crisis – taking inspiration from Geddes’ ecological outlook.

Meet-up 4
Feb 9th, 10am-2pm
Location to be confirmed. (Selection based on participant feedback.) The focus of this session will be on grounding our practice and sustaining hope in difficult times. Learning from dance and mindfulness practitioners (specific practitioners tbc). Includes lunch and ongoing discussion. [Note: this session may include a walk.]

Meet-up 5
March 23rd, 10am-2pm
Site visit to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Earth Matters exhibition at Inverleith House. Includes an artist talk and walk with Natalie Taylor, whose work explores soil health. Followed by lunch and a final ‘round-up’ of what we’ve learnt over the last 5 months and what we’d like to take forward.

Location: Edinburgh

For further information, please email Jonathan Baxter, or call 07954123543, or visit this website.

The deadline is Monday 03 November 2025 at 09:00 - with later enquiries welcome if spaces remain available.