Ukrainian artists take over former Burger King kitchen at Gyle Shopping Centre to make and sell art

Ukranian artists who came to Scotland to escape war after the Russian invasion have been welcomed into their new studio in Edinburgh.

The creatives at Abandoned Artists Hub are using a former Burger King kitchen within the Corstorphine Parish Church community area in Gyle Shopping Centre, where they’ll be able to make and sell art.

Olena came to Scotland after the Russian invasion of her home country Ukraine.

She, just like many others, found comfort in art.

She told STV News: “It’s about freedom and opportunity. It’s about inspiration, which makes my life high quality.

“This space is really cosy and warm, I feel at home here. I can make different types of art here.

“It’s a good way to begin for me. A lot of artists here can share with me.

Olena came to Scotland in 2022 following the Russian invasion STV News

This new studio, based in a disused kitchen at Edinburgh’s Gyle Centre, has given artists a new hub.

The group known as Abandoned Artists has also teamed up with the Scottish design exchange to help create and sell work.

Founder Alena Rogozhkina said: “This is a talent agency with a twist, supporting displaced artists and makers affected by war and displacement.

“We help to rebuild their creative journeys in Scotland.

“These artists are refugees who live with hosts and in temporary accommodation such as hotels. For us to help them work and create regularly, we do need space.

“They packed their life in a suitcase and many of them brought something that means to them they can remain as an artist, to survive mentally and express themselves.

“We are glad to be able to support them to showcase their artwork and talent. We’re so happy with the space.”

The not-for-profit Scottish design exchange, which has branches on George Street and High Street, doesn’t take commission from artists.

Creatives say the partnership has helped foster an entirely new community.

Natasha Mykhailova said: “Art has always been a part of my life. It makes me sane. I really enjoy it in every sense.

“When I came, I was on my own. It’s always good to be a part of the community. You can exchange ideas, see what others are doing and try something new.

“I love art galleries – Scotland has a lot of them. I like making art. I’m very happy when people who don’t know me buy or enjoy my art.

Corstorphine community chaplain Ester Elliot said: “We’ve been open since March 2023

“It’s all about building and developing community. it’s absolutely fantastic to have them here. it’s a space full of peace with wonderful views, to have artists on site adds to the whole sense of the space.

“To offer hospitality to people who have had to leave their home and give them a new home is something powerful and good we’ve been able to do.”