A showcase for Edinburgh’s artistic talent, the Hidden Door Festival returns to the Roxy Art House this weekend. With work now finished on new venues within the Roxy Art House, including The Garden and the Hidden Cinema, the Hidden Door 2 Festival taking place this weekend is set to follow on from the success of the inaugural Hidden Door which took place in January.
Different conceptual arts spaces across the venue will host work from 60 artists, 40 bands, 20 poets and 40 film-makers including; the Black Diamond Express, the Mighty Moth Magnets, Endor and Keiron MacGuire.
Festival Curator and Director, David Martin, explained to Edinburgh Guide, why he came up with the idea for the festival:
“The art scene [in Edinburgh] is either dominated by institutions or commercial concerns. I was aware of so much artistic talent being lured away from Edinburgh do to lack of opportunity. I love Edinburgh and I wanted to create a reason for artists to want to stay,” he says.
If you know your Washington Irving from your RBRBR then you will no doubt be familiar with TenTracks.co.uk. The website allows independent artists to sell their tracks for download in £1 bundles and has teamed up to help promote the line-up for the festival.
Ten Tracks Director Ed Stacks feels that Hidden Door’s promotion of collaboration is the key to its success.
“Events should encourage inclusivity and cultural pluralism underpinned by a sense of respect between different specialisms, not complete separation between them, and hidden door serves exactly this cohesive function.”
Hidden Door is a festival that puts a lot in a little space and is genuinely able to cater to everyone. The festival runs in blocks, where tickets give you access to the site for either afternoon or evening sessions. Wholesome vegetarian food is being catered for by the same people behind Susie's Wholefood Diner.
If poetry is your thing then Andrew Philip will be reading along with Edinburgh poets Claire Askew, Dave Coates and Kona MacPhee in collaboration with artists and film-makers. On top of that Rob MacKenzie and Jane McKie, who appeared at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival, will also be reading work across the weekend.
Expect to see kids running around during the day with plenty to keep a family outing entertained and in the evening there is a bar in the basement if you fancy relaxing with a beer. The sessions include 7pm – 1am Friday and 1pm – 6pm & 6pm – 1am Saturday & Sunday.
Hidden Door 2 is on from 22nd to 24th October, tickets £10 per session.