The Forest is a volunteer-run, collectively-owned, free arts and events project. We run a vegetarian café and a big block of studios and facilities to provide dedicated space for people to get involved in any creative activity imaginable. Our events have included music, theatre, dancing, yoga, massage, poetry recitals, art displays, knit-ins, book tours, language teaching, monsterbike making…and plenty more. We’re always on the lookout for new events and ideas, even when they take us to space.

The Forest has come a long way since its birth in 2000 in a tiny month-by-month let in Westport. For 8 years we ran in a beautiful old church at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where we ran a multi award-winning Fringe venue, an acclaimed publishing house, a record label, and a hundred other wonders. Now we’re making new venues happen: read ReForestation to find out where we’re at and where to bring your hammers.

What Makes Forest Special?

Forest is not sponsored by the government, city council or the arts council, and we do not exist for profit. We have been running a successful alternative business for years, thanks to the commitment of our large and enthusiastic team of volunteers. We are funded mostly by our vegetarian café, and to a lesser extent by the rental of facilities and the sale of books and records from Forest Projects. In keeping with our ethos that art should be accessible, all our events and workshops are free.

Aims Of The Forest

• To enable greater access to all forms of the performing arts
• To provide opportunities to learn and develop skills
• To increase access to art
• To facilitate the development of artists’ work and skills
• To build co-operation and cultural understanding
• Our full charity constitution

The Forest is defined by the people who contribute to it, and is as diverse as the community that supports it. There is always something going on, which is what makes the Forest such a unique and exciting community space. Everyone here is involved because they want to be - the best way to find out more is simply to drop in!

Want to Grow Your Own Forest?