This week is the final call for visual artists seeking to take part in Hidden Door 2023, so we thought we’d take a look back at some previous artists, their installations, and how they’ve been an integral part of transforming empty, unused spaces into explosions of creativity.

Over the years we’ve hosted so many incredible visual artists, and each and every one has helped us to create immersive, vibrant spaces for audiences to explore and discover something new.

Although it’s impossible to pick favourites, we’ve put together a wee list of some of the many memorable installations…

 In 2017 Oana Stanciu transformed an entire room of the Old Leith Theatre with feathers. 

Just around the corner, an unassuming hallway was made magical by a hanging sculptural collection by Sax Shaw.

In 2018 we returned to the Old Leith Theatre and the venue itself became art as Jill M Boualaxai created a massive 16th century map engraving of the festival footprint in oxidized copper. 

Meanwhile, down in the basement of the old State Cinema, Silas Perry masterfully manipulated scale, texture and form by creating an immersive environment with soft sculptures.

In 2019 back at the Old Leith Theatre, Sarah Calmus bent UV light with an installation that transported the audience to another world.

In 2021 at our Granton Warehouse venue, Amy Kim Grogan took us back to our childhood with the playfully constructed Meat Grabber. 

Also in 2021, Beth Shapeero and Fraser Taylor set the stage for introspection with a series of large scale abstract paintings.

In 2022, Fraser McBeath explored population decline in the Outer Hebrides with an eerily familiar domestic tableau, with video work and props crafted by Zoe Gibson.

These unforgettable pieces have only scratched the surface of what Hidden Door has to offer, and we can’t wait to see what our artists have in store for us next year. 

The 2023 Hidden Door Visual Arts call deadline has been extended until Friday 2nd December, so submit your work for the opportunity to share your creativity and to have a hand in transforming our unique venue.