Pop-Ups and Events at 2018 Art Festival

Edinburgh Art Festival audiences are in for an exciting array of talks, tours, performances, pop-ups and more as part of the festival’s excellent events programme.

The festival runs from 26 July to 26 August and a selection of pop-ups will see artwork taken beyond traditional gallery settings and into interesting spaces across the city.

Visitors will be able to enjoy new work in venues such as The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, where contemporary video artist Bill Viola will display throughout the festival, and the Scottish Arts Club which will host work inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Round-tables and discussions

For those looking to further engage with themes from across the programme, a series of round-tables and discussions will take place throughout the festival, each facilitated by artists and experts. With participants invited to explore socially prescient themes including sustaining an arts practice, the gig economy, and borders and migration, the line-up is sure to provoke thought and debate.

Talks and Lectures

In a selection of talks and lectures, audiences will also be able to hear directly from artists, curators and directors across a range of genres and topics. This year’s keynote lecture will provide a unique opportunity to see internationally renowned duo Michael Elmgreen & Ingar Dragset speak about their varied influences and disciplines as well as their practice as a collaborative duo.

Families and children 

Families and children are welcomed to a wide range of events across the programme, with storytelling sessions and creative workshops taking place throughout the festival including two morning Art Early events. There’s even an exclusive book launch for 3-7 year olds, as local author Alistair Chisholm introduces his new book The Prince and the Witch and the Thief and the Bears at the Fruitmarket Gallery.

Performance

Elsewhere, the festival’s Commissions programme will include a strong performative theme, with audiences able to catch magic performances from acclaimed socialist magician Ian Saville and other professional and amateur magicians at locations across the city. The final weekend of the festival will include two special live performances from artists Birrell & Harding in collaboration with Syrian musician Ali Moraly and others.

One-off events

Topping off an extensive and exciting programme are a range of one-off events including tours, openings and workshops. Fruitmarket Gallery will play host to a reel-to-reel double-bill film screening, while Open Eye Gallery, the Scottish Gallery and The Fine Art Society will present special Festival Breakfast Clubs each week including talks from critics, experts and academics.

Thursdays will also provide a fantastic opportunity for audiences to experience the expansive and unique programme by night, with the Art Lates series providing tours, talks, workshops and more.

Edinburgh Art Festival takes place from 26 July to 26 August 2018. Tickets and full programme details are available now on the Art Festival website.

Want news and features about Edinburgh's major festivals delivered straight to your inbox? 
Sign up for our regular enewsletters!