2 Educators providing Contemporary Art courses in Edinburgh

This workshop will explore artist-led practice in Edinburgh and feature an open discussion between Sierra Metro (Edinburgh) and Sett Studios (Edinburgh). Artist and researcher Chris Biddlecombe will also provide an overview of the key findings from the ‘Artist-Led Organisations in Scotland: Survey and Mapping of Activity’ research report which has been undertaken by Scottish Artists Union on behalf of Creative Scotland. About Sierra Metro is a gallery committed to artist-centred practice and our intention is to showcase and support emerging and mid-career visual artists and designers. We aim to engender a climate of flexibility and experimentation for everyone who exhibits with us, and offer broad public access to contemporary art experiences and discussions. Established in 2008 we curated a vibrant cross discipline arts programme until 2012 at Ground Floor North, The Lighthouse, 22 West Harbour Road. After a period of hibernation, we have reopened in our new Leith location on Ferry Road.  Sett Studios is an artist-run studios with dedicated gallery space in Leith, Edinburgh. Run for artists, by artists. Providing an accessible and safe space, with a particular focus on supporting those from socially and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Working to foster allyship, make art accessible, and uplift marginalised voices. Our artist community includes queer, working class, neurodiverse, disabled and POC artists. Instagram @settstudios If you have any other participation needs, please email us via learning@artistsunion.scot

This course will introduce you to the beautiful world of colour analogue photography. Taking as a starting point the work of contemporary photographic artists working with colour, we will discuss and explore theory as well as developing core skills essential for the capture and printing of your own colour images. You will learn how to correctly expose colour negative film and learn more about the characteristics of different types of film and the effects that they can have on an image. Within Stills’ darkrooms you will learn how to process your colour film by hand and print high quality analogue C-Type prints. Day 1 Morning: Colour Theory, Inspiration and Refresher for SLR Camera Controls During the morning we will be looking at contemporary photographers and artists that have used colour to inform their practice in specific ways. We will look at the ways in which colour revolutionized the artworld and vernacular photography. We will also look at basic colour theory, exploring which colours compliment each other and why. We will also refresh basic camera controls, load cameras and head out to the streets to shoot a roll of film. Afternoon: Colour Film Processing During this session, you will learn how to hand process your colour film. We will discuss the loading of the tank and the preparation of the machine to ensure correct processing temperature. We will look at different film types, why you may want to use them and the range of effects that can be produced. Day 2 Morning: Introducing the Colour Darkroom and Contact Sheets You will be introduced to Stills colour darkooms and become familiarised with the range of equipment you will be using. You will be taught how to set up your darkroom for printing, how the colour print processor works and how to print a contact sheet for viewing your negatives. Afternoon: Printing In the afternoon you will be expected to make a series of final C-Type prints. You will be shown techniques to improve your printing skills and produce the images you desire. This last session will allow you time to print with some one-to-one attention. We will discuss some printing techniques to help you get the most from your negatives. We will also have time at the end of the day to look back on all the work produced over the course and discuss it in relation to theory we learnt at the beginning. By the end of the course you will have: Learned more about colour theory and have a knowledge of contemporary artists working with colour photography Learned to process your own colour film Experimented with a variety of specialised darkroom printing techniques Printed contact sheets and a collection of colour photographs Feel confident in a colour darkroom using specialist equipment   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.