Out of the Blue Arts and Education

Out of the Blue (OOTB) is an Edinburgh based Arts and Education Trust which was launched in 1994. Its main aim is to create opportunities for everyone to participate in the arts and to help support artists by providing studio space at affordable rates. OOTB acquired the Drill Hall  in Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh in 2002 and since then the building has been the subject of extensive restoration. While the property accomodates 73 artists there is a waiting list of around 200 and OOTB wished to undertake a refurbishment programme to reduce the waiting list and enhance the existing facility. The refurbishment will add 14 studios, 2 large work/meeting rooms plus a number of other improvements to the premises at a total cost of £737,000.

The key social outcomes associated with the proposal involve increasing support for artists, developing a Centre of Excellence for community arts and regeneration, and improving access for disabled users. It is considered that the diverse range of activities conducted by OOTB contribute to as many 9 of the 15 national outcomes which describe what the Scottish government wants to achieve over the next ten years. A predictive social return on investment ('SROI') calculation has been undertaken using indicators identified against the principal objectives of the proposal. The resulting social return is estimated at over £1.45m over three years, giving an SROI index of £2.03 returned for each £1 invested through the Scottish Investment Fund.

 For further information on Out of the Blue click here

" We're delighted to receive this support from the Scottish Investment Fund which will enable us to build additional studio and workshop spaces, providing thousands of opportunities for people to visit and participate in activities at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall." 

Rob Hoon, Co-ordinator, Out of The Blue Arts and Education Trust