The Abbeyhill Colony of Artists (COA) arts and community festival was born in 2005 and is inspired by the co-operative history of the historic Edinburgh Colonies. Both are an example of the wonderful things that can be achieved when communities come together.

From these humble beginnings in 2005, where only 9 artists exhibited, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2025 with an anticipated line-up of over 100 artists and musicians. The COA encourages and celebrates diversity, art and community, encouraging residents to nurture this often overlooked historic area. This is art and community at its most intimate as the most unique aspect about the festival is that artists throw open the doors to their homes and gardens. Being welcomed into somebody’s home and garden encourages openness and conversation that translates into a more enriching experience. This openness fosters a sense of a real community of all ages, with everyone getting involved.

However, we are more than just one weekend in September. This festival is the largest of its kind in the area and is a lifeline for local businesses and the wider community. Throughout the year we commission street art projects and since 2019 have produced more than 20 murals on walls, shutters and windows in order to successfully tackle the graffiti problem in Abbeyhill. We work with other community groups to address local community issues and are regarded as one of the leading voices of the Abbeyhill community. Lastly, we are enormously proud of our partnership with Abbeyhill Primary School and champion their artists in residence programme which began in 2008 and is a first for Scotland.