Scottish Arts Club

About

The Scottish Arts Club is a sociable private members' club and gallery located at 24 Rutland Square, Edinburgh. Housed in a three-level Georgian clubhouse with a c.150-year heritage, the Club promotes and supports the arts community through a programme of exhibitions, talks, music, creative sessions, workshops, and social events for members and guests. More information can be found on their website.

Events Programme

The Club runs a busy, published 'What’s On' programme that includes talks, music recitals, theatre and film screenings, artist talks, readings, workshops, and monthly rotating exhibitions. The calendar includes member previews and public openings, and is regularly updated on the Club's 'What’s On' pages.

Art Classes

Regular creative sessions and classes are offered, including life drawing, portrait and oil painting sessions, Tuesday Art Group, mindful crafts, film club, poetry and writers groups, drama group, and studio workshops. Details about these sessions can be found on the Club's creative sessions page.

Exhibitions

The Club hosts rotating exhibitions across its gallery spaces, including members' exhibitions and curated shows. Members' previews and public openings typically occur from Tuesday to Saturday. The top-floor Studio and the Club's gallery walls are utilized for monthly shows and special curated exhibitions. More information is available on the exhibitions page.

Membership

Membership is categorized into Professional or Lay status, and includes options for resident, non-resident, overseas, and young members. Applicants require nomination by a current member or a SAC Council member. The definition of 'Professional' encompasses vocations such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, architecture, design, music, literature, drama, dance, and film. Further details can be found on the membership page.

Visiting Policy

Visitor information and opening times are published on the Club's website, which lists opening days, times, and contact details. Entry is via the main front entrance, and visitors may be asked to ring the bell. Accessibility measures include a ramp on request, a stair lift between floors, accessible toilets, and a staffed point of contact. The Club does not have dedicated parking, but on-street parking is available in Rutland Square. Nearest public transport distances are provided in the accessibility statement.

Rentals and Catering

The Club offers venue hire for private and corporate events, featuring a range of rooms with varying capacities. For example, the Club Room accommodates 20-60 guests, while the Dining Room can host up to 50. The sunny Top Floor Studio and John Calder Room are also available for hire. In-house catering options range from canapés to fine dining, available through the Club's event and hire service. More information can be found on the rentals and catering page.

Facilities

Facilities at the Club include a Club Room with a bar, a Dining Room (and bistro), a top-floor Studio, the John Calder/Reading Room (equipped with a film screen and books), multiple gallery and exhibition walls, a small private garden, and accessible toilets. Comfortable drawing-room spaces are also available for talks and recitals. Details about the facilities can be found on the facilities page.

Public Events

Many exhibitions and selected events are open to the public, with exhibition public openings typically occurring from Tuesday to Saturday. Non-members can subscribe to the Club newsletter for event listings. The Club also offers public hire and ticketed events, as detailed on the 'What’s On' page.

Member Events

Members have access to member-only previews, members' exhibitions, regular creative sessions, and social groups such as the Tuesday Art Group and poetry and writers groups. Additionally, members can participate in member-focused talks, screenings, and workshops. More information is available on the members' events page.