PAST EVENT: This was part of the EAF22 programme.

As part of EAF22’s focus on the Union Canal, we partnered with Art Buds to run a programme of free workshops for children aged 4-12, inspired by the diverse wildlife, histories and geographies of the Union Canal.

Artist-led workshops across the city – and on the water – took families on journey filled with sensory fun and big environmental questions, using art to imagine a more planet friendly future. Participants were encouraged to rethink local green spaces and waterways and dream up a better world. The workshops were designed to feel like a series of adventures – exploring sound, movement, sculpture and sustainable art-making.

Shapes in the City

In this workshop, children aged 5 – 12 made recycled sculptures inspired by bridges, tunnels and waterways!

Sounds in the City

In a sound focused workshop, children created sound sculptures, inspired by their surrounding in the Johnstone Terrace Wildlife Garden. Children aged 4-8 had the chance to finish the workshop with a noisy performance, and homemade pizza.

Wonder on the Water

Hosted on board the Lochrin Belle canal boat, this workshop focused on creating maps and flags inspired by the history of the waterways. Created for children aged 4-10, the workshop also gave families a chance to spot wildlife along the canal.

Art Buds Collective is a social enterprise dedicated to the delivery of sustainable arts education for children across Edinburgh. Creativity, the creative journey and protecting the planet are at the heart of their workshops.