out of the blue has committed considerable effort and resources to working to provide accessible, relevant and creative opportunities for marginalised groups.

We are currently focusing on taking the organisation to a platform for a secure future. The workload and degree of focus required for the re-establishment of The Bongo Club at it's new premises in Holyrood Road and the development of The Drill Hall as a future arts resource has required that Out of the Blue take a break from running projects in the meantime.

The focus of previous projects is working with young people in participatory projects, breaking down barriers to social inclusion. Projects and programmes were organised from our base in the city centre, our outreach city, country and worldwide.

We expect to re-introduce projects next year.

past projects

bajaly suso
Gambian kora player Bajaly Suso is being brought to the UK for a tour in September 2003

Public Art
It is proposed that a series of images and texts will be undertaken by artists and members of the local community for display on hoardings surrounding Cuckfield Poroperty Group building site on Lady Lawson Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh.

Arts in South Edinburgh
A collaboration with South Edinburgh Partnership, to organise and deliver a series of workshops and a carnival celebration event connecting to the out of the blue-Bongo Club festival programme.

South African Exchange
Feb 2001-May2002
A Commonwealth Youth Exchange Project involving young people between the ages of 21-25yrs from Scotland and South Africa.

Recycled Furniture
Initially a collaboration between out of the blue and Bridges One Door Initiative, providing recycling arts workshops, adding creative value to 'obsolete' objects and furnishings, for vulnerable young people. Funded by Scottish Cultural Enterprise as part of Scotland's Year of the Artist Project. The project has expanded funded by the Millenium awards to meet weekly to produce a range of recycled furniture and intends to work on a business, arts and education model linked to college courses and opportunities for young people to sell their work. The project has now established itself as an independent organisation, Vulture Recycled Furniture Project.

Arthur's Seat
Autumn and Winter 2001/2
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ON ARTHURS SEAT - EXPLORING PLACE
Anne-Marie Culhane, braved the elements to create artworks in response to the geology, history and ever changing present of this space which is both national landmark and intimate place.

February-March 2001 Open all hours project-In collaboration with South Edinburgh Community Education. Providing opportunities for young people to take part in a variety of creative activities, in South Edinburgh's community centres on Friday and Saturday evenings, in line with South Edinburgh's social inclusion objectives.

August-October 2000- Gozone-The Art of Inclusion. Action Research multi media workshops for marginalised groups of young people. Pilot project funded by The Edinburgh Youth Social Inclusion Partnership. Match funded from out of the blue resources.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 1998 and 1999- performances taken to peripheral areas of Edinburgh and older peoples homes.

September-October 1999- Hip Hoda Contemporary music and dance workshops and performance tour of marginalised communities in the Highland and Islands. Funded by Hi Arts and the Scottish Arts Council.

May 1999 The Art of inclusion forum initiated and held at out of the blue. 60 participants from a diverse range of local and national organisations undertook workshops on how the arts can be used to encourage social inclusion.

January 1999- Veja Brasil Big Festa. Workshops and performance of Afro-Brazilian movement and percussion combining community groups and professional artists.

September- November 1998- The Hip Roda Project run cross cultural multi media workshops and performances for young people in Muirhouse, and the Bongo Club. The workshops combine elements of the once outlawed Brazilian martial art Capoeira and breakdancing. Funded by the Baring Foundation.

May-August 1998- Artist in Residence David Price runs workshops and produces exhibition of recycled and customised household appliances.

February 1998- Cutting Room workshop area developed for workshops such as Capoeira and Roda dance/martial art with young people.

December 1997- Wild Minds- Creative writing workshops for women.

November 1996- Against The Wall-exhibition by George Mackay (Training for Freedom)

1996-7 Provision of studio space and support for prisoners on release through Training for Freedom scheme.

January-July 1996- Circle the City Mural Project. Holyrood Project North Site, Holyrood Road. Workshops at out of the blue created by young people from Canongate Youth Project.

1996- Establishment of studio provision and Bongo Club, as performance/club venue connecting with youth culture.

September 1995- The Peoples Art Project- out of the blue Community Education project with Hailesland Primary School Wester Hailes and Craigmillar Festival Society.

April 1995- Graffiti Art Project- collaboration between out of the blue, Muirhouse Festival Activities Centre, and the Festival Theatre and young people from Pilton/Muirhouse. Funded by LEEL.

March 1995- Our Bodies Ourselves-Photographic exhibition and workshops.

January 1994-December 1995. Work in Prisons. HMP Barlinnie. Creative workshops with prisoners. Establishment of Arts in Prison network.