Transforming Lives through Sustainable Creativity
Art Buds Collective is a social enterprise dedicated to the delivery of sustainable arts education in nature for children. Our classes for young people and adults promote sustainability, celebrate the creative journey and inspire the protection of our planet.
By booking an Art Buds class or workshop, you are directly supporting our work to bring the enormous benefits of making art in nature to children and families from areas of socioeconomic deprivation.
Upcoming Workshops
2-hour Holiday Workshops for 4-10 years
'Love Birds!' - Friday 17th February, 1.30- 3.30pm
'Flower Power!' - Friday 14th April, 1.30- 3.30pm
These fun holiday sessions invite children aged 4-10 to discover and create in the dramatic and adventurous setting of Holyrood Park. We will experiment with drawing, painting and 3d making, exploring the natural curiosities around us from birds, eggs and nests to rocks, extinct volcanoes and lochs! The park is well served by bus routes and has free and paid parking and public toilets on site. Limited places available.
Full Day Holiday Workshop for 5-10 years
'Art Discovery Day' - Thursday 6th April, 11 am- 3pm
This full-day holiday session for children aged 5-10 will invite children to develop artistic skill and discover in nature, inspired by the magical setting of Craiglockhart woods. During this 4-hour, artist-led adventure, there will be ample opportunity for young artists to try their hand in new artistic techniques and share their creations around the fire. Easter Craiglockhart Woods is a beautiful nature reserve easily accessed via Lockarton Crescent. The area, close to Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, is well served by bus routes and offers free on-street parking.
Family Workshop for 2-4 years and their grown ups
'Spring Buds' - Friday 14th April, 10:30am-12pm
This fun, creative session will give children aged 2-4 the chance to make and explore in nature with their favourite grown ups. During this playful and explorative 90 minute workshop, we will invite families to forage, explore and create together in the dramatic setting of Holyrood Park, before gathering to show and share our artwork, creations, songs and a story. The park is well served by bus routes and has free and paid parking available. Limited places available.
Term Time Classes
Art Buds Holyrood Park
Our Friday afternoon classes are designed to engage young people aged 4-12 in exploration, adventure and sustainable art making. Children work in small age appropriate groups, with experienced artist educators. These popular sessions spark curiosity in the natural world and joy in artistic process. To book, please follow the link below.
Venue: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Dates: Friday 3rd February- Friday 31st March (inclusive) with a Half Term break 17th February
Time: 2-3.30pm
Cost: £8/£13.50/£16.50 per class
To improve access for all, Art Buds Collective operates a fair payment system
Art Buds Portobello
Join us at the fantastic wildlife haven of Figgate park for our winter season at Portobello ! Our Friday afternoon sessions are suitable for children aged 4-10 and offer a mix of creative projects, environmental learning and free exploration, under the careful guidance of experienced Artist Educators. To book, please follow the link below.
Venue: Figgate Park, Portobello
Dates: Friday 3rd February-Friday 31st March ( inclusive) with a Half Term break 17th February
Time: 2-3.30pm
Cost: £8/£13.50/£16.50 per class
To improve access for all, Art Buds Collective operates a Fair Payment system
Art Buds Saturday in the Woods
Join us for creative adventures in the beautiful setting of Easter Craiglockhart Woods. During this fun and friendly outdoor session, we invite children to forage, explore and make together, before gathering around the fire to share our creations.
Venue: Craiglockhart Woods, Edinburgh
Dates: Saturday 4th February-Saturday 1st April ( inclusive) with a Half Term break 18th February
Time: 10.30am-12.00 midday (for ages 4-10)
Cost: £8/£13.50/£16.50 per class.
To improve access for all, Art Buds Collective operates a fair payment system
Art Bubs Creative Families
Our Tuesday and Friday morning classes are a time for little ones to create and explore with their families and carers. Combining storytelling, play, making and discovery in the outdoors, this session will spark curiosity in the natural world and joy in artistic process. Our term runs from w/c 30th January to w/c 27th March.
Age: 20 months - 3 years
Venue: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Friday 10-11am
Friday 11.15am-12.15pm
Cost: £5/£7.50/£9 per class.
To improve access for all, Art Buds Collective operates a fair payment
Photo by Alyssa Parker
Art Buds in Muirhouse
Art Buds in Muirhouse is a free programme of outdoor creative learning for early years and school-age children in Muirhouse, North Edinburgh. This project is fully funded by Creative Scotland and delivered in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts.
Now in its second year, Art Buds in Muirhouse offers children the chance to learn sustainable art skills from experienced artist educators and explore their local natural spaces safely and creatively. The project provides participants with free outdoor clothing and healthy snacks and lunches (summer camps).
If you live in the Muirhouse area (EH4 4, EH4 5, EH5 1, EH5 2), you can apply for a place through North Edinburgh Arts. Please call 0131 315 2151, or email, admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
School Opportunities
Sciennes Primary Art Club
Open to children in P1-5 attending Sciennes Primary School, Edinburgh, Art Buds After School Club takes place in the school's nature strip. Join us for outdoor creating, building, painting and sculpting every Tuesday! To set up something similar at your school or nursery, or to find our more about our bespoke 'Schools Workshops', get in touch. To book a place in this club, contact us using the form below.
Venue: Sciennes Primary, Edinburgh
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 3.30-5pm
Cost: £9.50 per class
(please contact the school directly if you require financial support with payment - this can be arranged)
Art Buds Home Educators
If you are a Home Educator and know a group of children who would be interested in a bespoke Art Buds Collective workshop, please get in touch. Our Home Educator sessions allow children aged 5-12 to explore process art in the outdoors with a strong environmental focus. Art Buds Collective classes are led by experienced Artist Educators and support curriculum learning across a wide range of subjects.
Please email us at artbudsedinburgh@gmail.com for more information.
Our Values
We believe every human has the right to create, and that we must work to remove the barriers that exist to creative engagement.
We actively promote exploration of artistic process as a means to improve wellbeing and increase our understanding of the world.
We are committed to celebrating multiple points of view and strive for inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
We are committed to protecting the natural environment and putting sustainability at the heart of our art-making.
We believe in nurturing and respecting individuals on their creative journey through a person led approach.
We believe in celebrating kindness and engaging curiosity every day.
Work with us
Are you an artist educator with a passion for engaging curiosity and creativity?
Art Buds Collective is always looking for dynamic teachers to join our team. If you are a freelance educator, working in the arts or outdoor education, interested in taking a more sustainable approach to creativity, get in touch!
Experience is preferred, but we do have opportunities for young people just starting their arts career to take on a mentored position. A willingness to work outdoors in all weathers is essential - if you haven't tried it, we highly recommend it!
CVs and bios should be sent for the attention of Sara, to artbudsedinburgh@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you.
Photo by Alyssa Parker
Contact Us
For more information about the work we do, or to book an Art Buds class, please drop us a message. We'd Love to hear from you!
