Fostering artistic growth and collaboration across disciplines
The Hidden Door Artist Development Programme is an exciting new initiative designed for artists and creatives across all disciplines, including visual art, dance, theatre, music and film.
The programme focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and creating opportunities to get together and form new connections. Throughout this programme, participants will engage in a series of events, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to inspire creativity and build lasting professional connections.
It is open to emerging and mid-career creatives who are eager to collaborate, explore new ways of working, and access career-enhancing resources.
Hidden Door x Mark Making Workshop
Thursday 29th May, 6-9pm
Look & Draw at The Heart of Newhaven
4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4HY
Get creative with us at Hidden Door’s next interactive workshop, where we’ll explore the power of mark making and how it can spark collaboration. Led by our Visual Arts Curator, Jill Boualaxai, this relaxed, hands-on session invites you to experiment with shape, texture, and gesture, building visual language together. You’ll also get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how this process helped shape the visual arts programme for this year’s festival. It’s a great opportunity to discover how artists work collectively, ask questions during the Q&A, and connect with others in a fun and supportive environment. Join us Thursday 29th May, 6–9pm!
FREE event but booking required
Artist Andrew J Brooks welcomed us to The Paper Factory to discuss TOLL, his large-scale artwork marking the first year of Covid-19 deaths in the UK. Created in solitude through 52 performances, TOLL consists of 145,652 hand-drawn marks—one for each life lost. Brooks shared insights into the work’s creation, its evolution over five years, and its significance today.
Members joined Chris Scott for a Photography Masterclass and Q&A designed to help capture stunning images of artwork and take professional headshots, all from home. Attendees learned how to create a simple DIY setup, use affordable lighting techniques, and make work stand out in applications.
January saw our first Artist Development event: an engaging artist talk with Shae Myles, a Glasgow-based visual artist and co-founder of Jiggle n Juice. Shae’s work explores themes of intimacy, secrets, play, and shared habits, while Jiggle n Juice bridges the gap between emerging artists and professional practice with creativity and critical dialogue.
Professional Development Resources – Access practical workshops on topics such as writing artist statements, applying for funding, and photographing/ filming your work professionally. Each session is designed to demystify the administrative side of a creative career, giving you tools to succeed.
Expert-Led Conversations and Mentorship – Engage with leading artists, curators, and industry professionals through panel discussions and mentoring opportunities. Gain insights into their processes, career journeys, and what they look for when collaborating with other creatives.
Tailored Networking Opportunities – Build connections with other artists, curators, and creative professionals within Scotland’s vibrant cultural landscape. Through social events, group workshops, and collaborative challenges, you’ll become part of a supportive and inspiring creative community.
Access to Exclusive Resources – Participants will receive monthly newsletters featuring curated opportunities, career development tools, and insights into Scotland’s arts & culture scene. These newsletters will help you stay informed and inspired throughout the programme and beyond.
This programme is perfect for creatives looking to:
Whatever your creative field, the Hidden Door Artists Development Programme offers a dynamic and enriching experience that can help take your creative career to the next level.
Sign up today to receive updates on all of the above.
You’ll receive roughly one newsletter per month with the latest news, events and opportunities.