A group of local artists, calling themselves the Free and Reactive Edinburgh Arts Kollective, are planning to transform a derelict warehouse in Granton into an arts venue for a four day event from the 10th to the 14th of October. There will be art exhibitions, live music, performances, films and educational workshops.

Wall art from a former TAA event

The organisers say that the event will include art by local artists, a scrap fashion show, local bands and DJ's and will run workshops where visitors can learn amongst many other things circus tricks, clothes design and customisation, dance and drama. They hope to give something back to local communities and wish to provide a socially inclusive space that is interactive and can be contributed to by everyone, rather than something to be consumed. There will be a cafe in the venue, and organisers are investigating whether to have a bar. One of the artists said “We want to transform an unused building into something with life, that people of all ages can get involved in, to incite creativity and get peoples brains ticking.” F.R.E.A.K., otherwise known as, Edinburgh Temporary Autonomous Arts is not a formal organisation but a loose collective of individuals, and one artist said “it is not owned or run by a person or organisation, but is open for anyone to get involved”. They aim to be as inclusive as possible and would love artists to come forward to make contributions. The local artists putting the event together are inspired by similar Temporary Autonomous Arts projects that have taken place in London, Bristol, Manchester, and in other European countries such as Poland and Germany. Unlike the Edinburgh event they are usually housed in a squatted venue. The philosophy of TAA is similar to that of the Temporary Autonomous Zone of Hakim Bey, which is the socio-political tactic of creating a temporary space that for a time releases the participants from formal structures of domination. The warehouse is owned by Waterfront Edinburgh Ltd., a large development company involved in the gentrification of the Leith and Granton areas. Waterfront are allowing the use of the building, providing electricity, water and are even cleaning the inside, to help the artists begin work. Organisers say that the event will not be a protest against gentrification. The event and renovation of the building will be financed by club nights, donations and has received a Young Scots Art Action Grant of £750. There will be several club nights in the near future to help raise funds. Edinburgh Temporary Autonomous Arts needs as many volunteers as possible to make the event a great success. They need people to come forward right now with technical and practical skills as well as artistic contributions. For more information about how to get involved email edinburgh@taaexhibitions.org

The outside of the granton warehouse

inside the warehouse

the reverse perspective of the main room

another TAA event