Wester Hailes Art Group comes together every couple of months for trips led by Edinburgh Art Festival Community Engagement, the group comprises of local residents associated with WHALEArts and people living in the South West of Edinburgh. The outings take into account the group's knowledge and interests in historic and modern art, and introduces them to contemporary art practice through exhibitions, meeting artists and specialists, and trying out new artistic techniques. As well as this the trips include appreciating the city's walking routes and green spaces and visiting other Scottish cultural destinations.

During lockdown and restrictions we've been staying in touch via email, and members from the group have got involved with remote art activities such as Stills Gallery's Elementary Blueprint, Grassmarket Community Projects and Greyfriars Kirk's Lockdown Bobby's and Edinburgh Art Festival's DIY Art home creativity kits.  
 
Members of the group have also spent time reflecting on the trips, writing blog posts celebrating the artists and organisations we've come into contact with, which you can read below! 
 
At present, we are paying close attention to Covid-19 Government restrictions on a monthly basis to see if it is possible for smaller groups to go on trips. 
 
If you are associated with WHALEArts or live in the South West of Edinburgh and are looking to connect with people interested in the arts and would like to join the group, please get in touch by emailing - learning@edinburghartfestival.com.

Special thanks to the organisations and artists who have supported our trips to date.