Walking Like a Tortoise Workshop for Adults

This workshop is based on the Walking Like a Tortoise mixed media exhibition mounted at Central Library (in the foyer and stairs display cabinet - more information below) and is for adults (16+).

It will consist of a slow walk like a tortoise (a style of marital arts like Tai Chi), an explanation of the project in the context of geography (counter-mapping), anthropology (who lives in Granton now?) and discussion about the changing population from the past to the present (it is one of Edinburgh's most multi-cultural areas). There will be an author/artist reading from The Wall (short-listed for a Sound Walk September Award) and a tour of the exhibition.

'Walking like a Tortoise' is a mixed media art exhibition about Granton, on the northern edge of Edinburgh. Like many parts of the city, the Granton boundary has changed over the years, and there are many ways to define its reach. Using maps of the area from 1828 to the present day, the different borders were explored and walked.

Tamsin Grainger, walking artist, has lived in Granton for 15 years and has extensive experience in the Community Arts in Edinburgh. She was Dance Artist in Residence (1989-92) and is currently the Granton Waterfront Heritage Programme Development Worker. This exhibition was first shown at the Granton:hub (Madelvic House) in 2023.

This perambulatory research was made slowly and mindfully, allowing time for relaxed conversations with other local people who were born in Scotland or who have moved into the area from countries such as the Ukraine and Mumbai. Portraits of children, adults of different ages, and other than human inhabitants (plants, insects etc) were made. New maps, textiles and sound art were created in response to these walks which were taken over a year-long period. Visual and audio stories about local and community history were crafted and are embedded in this exhibition which will both inform and engage audiences from other parts of the city. It aims to prompt an appreciation and connection with the nature of the places where we live.

This exhibition and the activities will be particularly suitable for members of the EH4, 5 and 6 communities. They address post-industrial landscapes, ecological and climate change issues, and multi-cultural participation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Edinburgh Central Library, 7-9 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom