Strategy
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop is a visual arts organisation that focusses on production, research and engagement. We have 38 years’ experience in supporting artists in developing sustainable practices and careers, connecting them to new audiences and engaging a broad public in active participation in visual arts. Since 2011, ESW has been based in Scotland’s only purpose-built sculpture facility, designed to support all types of sculpture making. Our world class building offers 10 dedicated workspaces that remove the barriers artists face when making their work and developing their careers: This includes casting & mould making, Scotland’s only open access foundry, metal, wood, plaster and ceramic workshops, IT production space, multi-use courtyard bays and covered yard spaces. In addition, the building houses 26 subsidised studio
spaces and 14 project spaces, supporting a population of around 40 artists at all stages of their career, working across a range of visual arts practices.
What We Do
ESW is a creative hub where communities meet to learn, share resources and knowledge and to create. We are uniquely placed to reach and engage multiple audiences and participants, which includes established artists, recent graduates, school children, local communities and excluded or marginalised groups.
• Offer affordable open access to our unique array of multiple specialist facilities, unmatched in Scotland and supported by our skilled staff team.
• Work with strategic partners (educational, third sector and peer networks in Edinburgh and across the U.K.) to support the development of artists’ careers and the national sector.
• Work internationally, connecting Scottish practitioners to their international peers to facilitate cultural exchange and attracting international artists to Scotland to develop and share their work.
• Connect artists to a broad public through our exciting public programmes.
• Through partnerships with our local schools and local community partners we develop opportunities for a diverse public to actively participate in creativity and making.
• Support a community of circa 200 members.
• Remove or reduce the economic and social barriers to participation to increase diversity and inclusion in the arts.
• Create employed work and training for artists, growing the capacity of the sector and generating a skilled workforce.
ESW’s approach is as a learning organisation, which is adaptive and collaborative. We work with the individuals and groups who rely on us, enabling them to develop their work, careers and meaningful connections with visual art in a stable and supportive environment. We are distinctive in the sector as an organisation that provides the full spectrum of individual and organisational support at all levels of engagement.