LeithLate: Art on the Walk

On 16 June, for one night only, ten galleries, pubs and shops on Leith Walk will open late to host a series of free events, gigs and exhibitions ending with an afterparty. We've got the route map, and here <strong>LeithLate</strong> event organiser <strong>Morvern Cunningham</strong> introduces the programme

Feature by Rosamund West | 31 May 2011

"The idea for LeithLate came from a model of late night gallery events in various places in Europe, and here with [Edinburgh Art Festival’s] Art Late – I thought it was something that would be great for Leith (being an adopted Leither myself).

"Leith’s got a great sense of community and has a lot of creative people who are drawn here to live and work in increasing numbers. As you can see from the venues that are involved, a lot of the spaces are unfunded and have only been there for a year or two. We’ve also involved local businesses, showcasing events that they do anyway. Ultimately, this is just a snippet of what is a much larger creative community.

"I think LeithLate could really grow. There’s an opportunity, and a lot of support and goodwill behind it. The dream for next year is an all day event, encompassing the entirety of Leith Walk, stretching down to the Shore with multiple venues, buskers in the street, firebreathers and live art. That’s the dream."

PROGRAMME:

1. Whitespace Gallery, 11 Gayfield Square: A new exhibition by Edinburgh-based artist Keith Farquhar, whose flat-pack statues of nudes have recently been exhibited at Studio Voltaire in London, Tramway Glasgow, and Glo Marconi Milan.

2. Superclub, 11a Gayfield Square: The headquarters (gallery/studio space/shop) of an artist-run collective, Superclub present Of Form And Growth, an exhibition of paintings by Alex Gibbs including new work developed on residency in Beijing.

3. Windsor Buffet, 45 Elm Row: One of Leith Walk’s ever expanding roster of guid boozers, Windsor Buffet host live music and DJs for the night.

4. Such and Such, 105 Brunswick Street: Studio/gallery space Such and Such host Anomal, an exhibition by recent DJCAD Illustration graduates Al White and Jamie Johnson exploring hypnagogic autonomous landscapes.

5. The Old Ambulance Depot: A solo show from painter Charlie Anderson, whose work mirrors the weathered, layered effect of street advertising and billboards.

6. Word of Mouth Café: A music/poetry performance by Zorras, breakdance by Edinburgh Mela project Shared Territories AND an Artachat discussion.

7. Tourmalet, 25 Buchanan Street: Eccentric friendly local pub named after a section of the Tour de France and specialising in wheat beer, dogs and pictures of an ever changing array of uncomfortable celebrities. For LeithLate they’re putting on a special exhibition of local mag Shaver’s Weekly covers.

8. Brass Monkey Leith, 362 Leith Walk: The newly opened Brass Monkey hosts a screening of a selection of short films curated by Future Shorts Edinburgh.

9. Elvis Shakespeare, 347 Leith Walk: Regular hosts of live performances, the local favourite record / book store presents an exhibition installation along with live performances from Wounded Knee, Little Pebble, Blueflint and Withered Hand.

10. The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street: Extended opening hours of the current exhibition, showcasing the work of OOTB studio residents.

11. Pilrig St Paul’s Church, 1A Pilrig Street: The After Party. From 8-11pm the church will host a LeithLate closing gig with a lineup including Sara and the Snakes, Her Royal Highness, PET and The John Knox Sex Club. Entrance is £4, with all proceeds going to the bands, the artists and the people who made LeithLate happen. Show some support!

LeithLate, Thu 16 Jun, 6-8pm, Leith Walk, various venues, free. After Party Pilrig St Paul's, 8-11pm, £4

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