Edinburgh’s vibrant arts scene is poised for another electrifying year as the Hidden Door festival announces an open call for visual artists. This unique, independent multi-arts festival, a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape, will return from June 3rd to 7th, offering a platform for groundbreaking creativity.
A significant injection of funding from Creative Scotland has secured the festival’s future, allowing organizers to focus on ambitious artistic endeavors and, crucially, fair compensation for participating artists. This “transformative” support promises a bolder, more innovative Hidden Door than ever before.
But this isn’t simply about showcasing art; it’s about constructing a narrative, “building a myth” within the walls of a yet-to-be-revealed Edinburgh location. The festival aims to create a shared, immersive experience where the artwork itself shapes the very architecture of the space.
Organizers are seeking artists who can respond to evocative themes: the resonance of “Out-of-Place Objects,” the idea of buildings as memory keepers through “Stone Tape Theory,” and the power of “Myth of a Building” – structures born from recollection and imagination. These concepts aren’t constraints, but rather springboards for a collective artistic vision.
The call is open to artists with a strong connection to Scotland – those who have studied, lived, or originated within its borders. A degree in an art-related field or five years of professional exhibition experience are required to apply, with submissions due by January 11th.
Forget traditional gallery displays. Hidden Door desires installations that command physical presence and demonstrate a keen awareness of space. They are looking for work that breathes, that interacts with the environment, and that leaves a lasting impression.
This funding commitment extends through 2027, providing stability and allowing Hidden Door to prioritize the discovery and support of emerging Scottish talent. Director Hazel Johnson describes the support as liberating, enabling a greater focus on artistic excellence.
The festival’s flagship event has previously transformed spaces like The Paper Factory into vibrant cultural hubs, and anticipation is building to discover where Hidden Door will take root in 2026. The venue, along with the full program, will be unveiled in the new year.
Visual artists are just the first wave. Hidden Door plans to extend the invitation to poets, dancers, theatre-makers, and other creative voices in the coming months, promising a diverse and captivating program for 2026.
This is more than a festival; it’s a movement, a testament to the power of art to reimagine spaces and ignite the imagination. It’s an opportunity to contribute to a growing myth, etched into the very fabric of Edinburgh’s cultural identity.
