The Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Out of the Blue (OOTB) was launched in 1994 with a single aim: to enable participation in the arts. Whether it’s helping up-and-coming artists establish themselves by providing affordable studios, administrative and promotional support or engaging with deprived communities through hands-on arts projects, OOTB has a proven track record as a vital catalyst for creativity in Edinburgh and beyond.
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When OOTB’s original base, at a run down old bus depot, was sold to developers, the arts organisation was forced to find a new home. In 2003, OOTB purchased a former army drill hall in Leith and began an ambitious redesign to create a state-of-the-art multi-arts hub. Designs were invited from a range of architects with a Moroccan souk-inspired plan from Edinburgh practise CiAO selected. Phase 1 of the self-managed project, which was part-funded by a Scottish Arts Council Capital grant of £100,000, to make the building compliant with health and safety regulations was completed in early 2004. |
Phase 2, again part-funded by a Scottish Arts Council Capital grant of £187 000, created some 25 extra studios and a performance space ranged around a central atrium, was completed at the end of 2006.
The performance and rehearsal space features sprung wooden floors, wall length mirrors and a rail for dance as well as triple height ceiling suitable for aerial work. Bigger theatrical productions can also be accommodated in the central atrium with temporary staging and areas to the rear providing wings. A rolling programme of exhibitions and other cultural events is also planned for The OOTB Drill Hall beginning with a major group exhibition by OOTB-based artists from April 23 2007.
A third building phase is now planned which will create a stunning mezzanine level of studios to maximise natural light from the glass roof and a sculpture garden in the old firing range.
Studios and offices
- The Out of the Blue Drill in Leith, Edinburgh: a B-listed ex-army drill hall refurbished to provide 50 studios & modern offices
- The Out of the Blue Powerhouse in Portobello, Edinburgh: former industrial building with 40 studios
Exhibition, rehearsal & performance space
- 4,000 sq ft exhibition & performance space
- 2,000 sq ft performance space with sprung floor, wall length mirror & quadruple height ceiling
- 2,000 sq ft rehearsal & production space with triple height ceilings
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Arts projects & workshops
- qualified in-house team with proven track record
- extensive network of supporting artists
- excellent in-house facilities including production space, dark room & silk screen press
Event management
- experienced in-house team with proven track record
- wide network of trusted suppliers
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 | Cultural consultancy
- in-house team providing full service from public art to street theatre
- experts in legal & regulatory issues
Cafe
- licensed café selling fair trade, organic and locally sourced produce
- run as training-for-work initiative
| Supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council. | |