Out of the Blue Fights New Street Artists' Corner
OOTB Woos Developers in Bid for Studio Space

Out of the Blue this month met with developers in a bid to safeguard the future of artists at the old bus depot in Edinburgh 's New Street . OOTB is now attempting to hammer out a deal with new owners Mountgrange to ensure the provision of studio space in its redevelopment plans.

Mountgrange acknowledged that the hub of artists which has grown there enhances the vitality of the city centre and provides a vibrant alternative to commercial sterility. The developer unveiled plans for shops and 200 apartments at the site last month. The project is scheduled to start no earlier than March 2006 and will run until March 2008.

OOTB is also continuing efforts to locate buildings earmarked for development which could be used by artists on a temporary basis. OOTB currently provides space for some 45 artists at the New Street studios. OOTB Finance Manager Harald Tobermann says, "Out of the Blue is playing a vital role in keeping the needs of the creative community at the top of Edinburgh 's agenda."