Colony of artists - since 2005
The COA Story
The Colony of Artists Festival began in 2005, when a small group of artists opened their homes across the Abbeyhill Colonies to share their work. Inspired by the strong community spirit of the area and events such as the Pittenweem Arts Festival, what started with just nine artists has grown into one of Edinburgh's best-loved grassroots arts festivals.
After a short pause in 2007, Bill Mazur and Kat Chisholm took on the role of organising the festival and have helped guide its development ever since. Along the way, countless artists, volunteers, hosts and supporters have all played their part in shaping the event into what it is today.
Now, in its 21st year, COA2026 brings together 130 artists, transforming homes, gardens, studios and community spaces into a weekend of creativity, conversation and discovery.
The festival remains true to the idea it was founded on: that art belongs in the heart of the community. We look forward to welcoming you into our homes, gardens and studios for another wonderful weekend.
2005 – Where It All Began
The very first Colony of Artists exhibition took place in 2005, inspired by Gill Smith and Bob Giulianotti, with Bob also designing our very first brochure. Just nine artists took part that year, with a warm introduction penned by Jo McSween.
From small beginnings came something special.
2008 – A New Chapter
After a year's break, William Mazur and Kat Chisholm took on the organisation of the festival, helping to shape the event that continues today. Bob Giulianotti returned to design the brochure, while Abbeyhill Primary School joined the festival for the first time, bringing even more of the community into the event.
With 24 artists taking part, the festival entered an exciting new phase.
The next chapter had begun.
2009 – Growing Recognition
Kat Chisholm, William Mazur and Debbie Phillips organised the 2009 festival, with Bob Giulianotti once again designing the brochure.
With 25 artists taking part, the festival continued to grow and even caught the attention of The Scotsman, which described it as. "the city's answer to South Bank".
Word was spreading.
2011 – Growing Stronger
William Mazur and Kat Chisholm returned to organise the festival in 2011, with Michele D'Elia and Seán Ó Cathasaigh once again designing the brochure.
With 24 artists taking part, the festival continued to establish itself as a much-loved part of Abbeyhill's creative community.
Another year, another chapter.
2013 – Reaching Further
The 2013 festival was organised by Denis Mallon, William Mazur and Kat Chisholm, with Denis also designing the brochure. With 30 artists taking part, it was our biggest festival yet.
For the first time, local businesses became part of the event, hosting artist window displays at Manna House Bakery and Cornelius Beer & Wine on Easter Road, beautifully designed by Lisa Mallon.
The festival was becoming part of the wider neighbourhood.
2015 – Celebrating Ten Years
The 10th Colony of Artists Festival was organised by Nic Souter, Kat Chisholm and William Mazur, with a special anniversary brochure designed by David Barrington. A record 41 artists took part—the largest festival to date.
To celebrate the milestone, the festival looked back as well as forward. The Abbeyhill History Exhibition expanded, with Kat Chisholm beginning what would become a growing photographic archive of local residents. Hilary Burwell also interviewed long-time Colony residents Jackie Sewell and Peter Shaw, whose memories of old Abbeyhill were shared as part of the exhibition.
A highlight of the weekend was the first screening of The Singing Street, the much-loved film made by teachers from Norton Park School—a festival favourite that continues to this day. Visitors also enjoyed a fascinating talk by Professor Richard Rodger of the University of Edinburgh, whose research into the Colonies helped bring their history to life.
The festival also introduced The Hive Music Venue at Holland House on Rossie Place, organised by Betty Pottinger with support from Holland House Electrical, creating a music programme that has remained a festival tradition ever since.
Finally, 2015 saw the Colony of Artists formally constituted and the launch of the first COA Raffle, helping secure the festival's future for years to come.
A landmark year that helped shape the festival we know today.
2016 – Growing Partnerships
The 2016 festival was organised by Kat Chisholm, William Mazur and Nic Souter, with a brochure designed by David Barrington. A record 57 artists took part, making it the biggest festival yet.
When production challenges brought our partnership with Stewart Brewing to an end, the Colony of Artists Festival Ale found a new home at Campervan Brewery in Leith. Thanks to Paul Gibson and his team, the beer reached even more local outlets and has remained part of the festival ever since.
The festival—and its partnerships—continued to grow.
2018 – The Festival Hub Grows
The 2018 festival was organised by Kat Chisholm, William Mazur and Nic Souter, with a brochure designed by David Barrington. Fifty-five artists took part across the Colonies.
The Festival Hub continued to grow, with Campervan Brewery serving festival beer from its iconic vintage VW, while Century General Store joined the weekend, serving delicious food from their own beautifully restored campervan.
The Festival Hub was becoming a destination in its own right.
2006 – Building Momentum
Gill Smith and Bob Giulianotti returned to organise the festival in 2006, with a fresh new brochure design by Alastair Clark. The event continued to grow, welcoming 12 artists and building on the success of its first year.
The foundations were beginning to take shape.
2010 – A Festival Takes Shape
With growing media interest and increasing visitor numbers, the 2010 festival was organised by William Mazur and Kat Chisholm. The brochure received a fresh new look, designed by Michele D'Elia and Seán Ó Cathasaigh.
This was also the year William created the colourful bunting that still decorates the festival today.
With 27 artists taking part, the festival received its first national newspaper coverage with The Guardian writing a very lovely article and video about the event.
Some traditions were just beginning.
2012 – Reaching New Audiences
The 2012 festival was organised by William Mazur, Denis Mallon and Kat Chisholm, with Denis also designing the brochure. Twenty-seven artists took part across the neighbourhood.
A highlight of the year was a special reading by beloved local author Aileen Paterson, creator of Maisie of Morningside. The festival also embraced social media for the first time, helping spread the word to an even wider audience.
The community—and the audience—continued to grow.
2014 – Community Connections
The 2014 festival was organised by Kat Chisholm, Kate Allberry, Luke Isbel and William Mazur, with a brochure designed by David Barrington. Twenty-eight artists took part across the Colonies.
Local businesses became an even bigger part of the festival, with Kate Allberry's miniature window bunting appearing in shops throughout Abbeyhill, while Hilary Burwell curated the first Abbeyhill History Exhibition, introducing visitors to the area's rich past.
With support from James Wrobel of Cornelius Beer & Wine, we also launched the very first Colony of Artists beer, specially brewed and bottled by Stewart Brewing.
Meanwhile, Abbeyhill Primary School welcomed its first Artist in Residence – Aileen Paterson, beloved creator of Maisie of Morningside.
The festival became more deeply rooted in the community than ever before.
2017 – Music Takes Centre Stage
The 2017 festival was organised by Kat Chisholm, Nic Souter and William Mazur, with a brochure designed by David Barrington. Fifty-five artists took part across the Colonies.
The Festival Hub continued to evolve, with Campervan Brewery's vintage VW serving festival beer throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, Simon Illingworth from The Safari Lounge curated the entire live music programme, helping establish the welcoming atmosphere that has become such a memorable part of the festival.
The festival had found its rhythm.g with great tunes all weekend long. 🎶🐝
