Whatever happened to the infighting that the art world is famous for and that, perversely, piques media interest in the public debate about art? Today, it seemed nothing, but a torpor in a turpertine cup as the Edinburgh Art Festival was launched at the Stills Gallery on Cockburn Street (see photo).
In Edinburgh, at least, a spirit of co-operation has taken hold. Galleries are coming together in an unprecedented way. It helps that the Edinburgh Art Festival, now in its fourth year, has found its first ever sponsor in Lloyds TSB Scotland to smooth the way for a series of groovy-sounding late openings where art galleries are going to try something a little different.
On the weekend of the 10/11 August galleries throughout the city will be hosting programmes of performance poetry, stand-up comedy, live music and DJs. There's going to be mystery tours leading from one gallery to the next and opportunities for armchair art critics to show off their knowledge with their own tours.
Saturday 11 the focus moves to Inverleith House in the Botanics where pioneer of colour photography William Eggleston's Portraits 1974 will be the inspiration for family-based events and workshops on the techniques used by the Mississippi born photographer. There's also a Seventies disco for families (11am-2pm).
The Art Festival runs to 2nd September. There are over 60 events, with 100 different artists exhibiting work in 37 galleries and spaces throughout Edinburgh.
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