‘It’s all about celebrating smaller, independent spaces,' says Chloé Nelkin, organiser of NT Art Month, which is entering its second year. The festival aims to shine a spotlight on the abundance of independent galleries populating Edinburgh’s New Town, as well as to reduce the fear surrounding these spaces. ‘There’s a preconception and a misconception that you can’t go into independent galleries because the art is on sale, and that’s very much not the case,’ Nelkin adds. ‘They’re an amazing place to soak up the lifeblood of the arts scene. You can have such interesting conversations with the people who work in galleries and learn so much from them.’

According to Nelkin, it’s vital for people to give these galleries a chance, now more than ever. ‘It’s been a really difficult time for independent spaces. The running costs and cost of living and the recession have all hit them really hard; so, for me, it’s important to celebrate the incredible things they’re doing and the fact that they’re still there and producing these incredible exhibitions every month.’  

NT Art Month promises a range of events and exhibitions across the New Town, and with fresh sponsorship from Investec UK it aims to be bigger and better this year. ‘There’s lots to do as part of the festival and most of the events are free,’ says Nelkin. ‘There are opportunities to meet artists; there’s a coffee morning at a gallery; there’s live painting at Good Brothers Wine Cellars. For people who want something slightly different, one of our sponsors this year is Holyrood Distillery, and they’re hosting a tasting.’ NT Art Month is also partnering with Art In Healthcare, a charity which provides art for healthcare settings as a way to stimulate patients, visitors and staff.

‘Although they’re not a conventional gallery, they have this amazing collection,’ notes Nelkin. They will be opening their building on York Place throughout the festival for collection tours and talks from their curators. Nelkin points to The Scottish Gallery’s exhibition, Amongst The Trees, as one that she’s particularly excited about. This indoor/outdoor hybrid affair is led by Scottish sculptor Andrea Geile, who will also be curating works from other artists looking at the symbolic use of trees in art. ‘They’ve got this beautiful garden, and what’s exciting is seeing how art can be both inside and outside spaces.’ Nelkin also singles out The Atelier Gallery’s exhibition, The Importance Of Being Small. ‘It’s an exhibition of paintings highlighting how easy it is to overlook something small, using interesting framing techniques to show that these works still pack a punch.’

While art remains the focus of NT Art Month, it also looks to promote engagement with the local community. ‘One of the important things is encouraging people to walk between the spaces,’ Nelkin explains. Maps showing the locations of all the galleries will be available at various spots across Edinburgh. ‘The hope is that they spend a morning going for a stroll around all of these galleries and maybe pop into some of the independent cafés; we’ve marked our favourite cafés and bars on the map.’ Despite being a huge residential area, Nelkin feels that many people are not aware of everything the New Town has to offer. ‘Whether it’s coming along to these galleries in NT Art Month or actually just having a broader awareness of what’s on your doorstep, I think it’s really important for people to embrace that community and that local vibe.’
NT Art Month, various venues, Edinburgh, Friday 7–Sunday 30 June; main picture: S Beckefeldt.