Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has named local creative, Wendy Helliwell, as its new Artist in Residence, taking up the position from August until October and during The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Artist in Residence programme is dedicated to supporting the city’s creative community, offering artists a three-month residency with access to a purpose built art studio within the old India Buildings’ turret of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and provides artists with free gallery space within the hotel and the chance to sell their artwork, with all proceeds going directly to the artist.
Wendy was first introduced to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh when she was selected by bespoke art consultancy, Visto Artwork, to create artwork for the hotel’s opening. Pieces previously commissioned include “Virgin Lips” which was constructed from one pair of jeans and magazine cuttings, and featured beside the hotel’s concierge.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said, “This is a really exciting time for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh as we announce Wendy as our new Artist in Residence. Wendy is unbelievably talented, and we’ve already had the privilege of hosting some of her artwork in the hotel.
Mafalda continues, “The Artist in Residence programme marks our commitment to supporting the vibrant creative community in Edinburgh. Applications are open for creatives to apply to be our final Artist in Residence of the year and we’re looking forward to seeing the submissions. There has been some incredible talent so far”.
Wendy Helliwell, said, “I couldn’t contain my excitement when I spotted the open-call for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence. It has come at such an opportune time and I feel so inspired to create some exciting, new pieces.”