Virgin Hotels Edinburgh proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking Artist in Residence initiative, a unique programme that is dedicated to supporting the city’s vibrant creative community.

As part of the initiative, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is issuing an open call for emerging artists within the Edinburgh art scene, giving them the opportunity to apply for the use of free workspaces and showcasing opportunities within the iconic Old Town Hotel.

During the three-month artist vacancy, the successful artist will have access to the Hotel’s stunning Unicorn Room – a purpose built creative studio with sprawling views across the city. Positioned within the old India Buildings turret of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the room offers a unique workspace complete with a hand painted, one of a kind mural by Studio Giftig, providing the perfect creative inspiration.

First to be awarded the Artist in Residence top spot is current Virgin Hotels Edinburgh employee, Charlie Yates, a budding local artist who graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2019. Since graduation he has received acclaim for various projects, including a feature in ‘The Times’ for his substantial solo exhibition at the Watermill Gallery. Taking inspiration from his Scottish heritage and vintage mementos, Charlie is able to capture the essence of a moment in his work, mirroring the sense of adventure and discovery that Virgin Hotels Edinburgh aims to provide to its guests.

The initiative also provides artists with a free gallery space to display and sell their work, with all proceeds going directly to the creatives. Displayed on the staircase leading up to the Hotel’s stunning Oculus lounge, the artwork can be admired by guests and locals alike.

In addition to being one of the main focal points at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the Oculus is also home to the Hotel’s newly launched Afternoon Tea experience and guests booked in at the weekend would have the opportunity to meet the Artist in Residence, visit their studio and learn about their creative process. Hotel residents will also have the chance to book a private tour of the Unicorn Room creative studio, providing an inside look into the unique space and unbeatable views.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “The Virgin brand was developed from the desire to give a platform to incredible artists, and this is something we want to echo at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

“Our Artist in Residence initiative is something new that we’re bringing to the city, and we’re so pleased to welcome Charlie Yates to our incredible Unicorn Room and see the artistic process first hand from the studio upstairs. This partnership will also offer something new for our guests as they get the chance to not only browse his incredible artwork but talk to him personally about the inspiration behind it.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming more local artists to the studio this year and seeing their work displayed on the staircase leading up to the Oculus lounge. For any artist who would like to work with us and have your work displayed in the Hotel, I’d encourage you to apply.”

Charlie Yates, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh employee and current Artist in Residence, said: “My first experience of working as the Artist in Residence has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to work from one of the best locations in Edinburgh and now have my first round of work on display for guests to see within the Hotel.

“I look forward to the remainder of the residency with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to create a collection that speaks to such an exciting, iconic brand and enhances the overall experience of the guests who visit.”

Applications are now open for aspiring artists that would like to be considered for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence initiative. For more information please email: artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com.

For reservations for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s exquisite Afternoon Tea in the stunning Oculus lounge, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-tea-in-the-oculus-virgin-hotels-edinburgh-tickets-857917292717

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