Impact Arts is delighted to be taking part in Doors Open Day Edinburgh 2026, showcasing creative work from some of our Edinburgh programmes at St Michael’s Parish Church, Slateford, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see artwork created by participants from CashBack to The Future, Impactful Parents and Craft Café, celebrating the creativity, skills and achievements of people involved in our programmes.

Young people have also been getting involved in Doors Open Day by designing a map highlighting some of the amazing venues taking part across Edinburgh. The map will be available to download here, or pick up in person when you visit our exhibition at St Michael’s.

Come along and explore the artwork, discover more about Impact Arts and pick up your Doors Open Days map!

📍 St Michael’s Parish Church, 1 Slateford Rd, Edinburgh
📅 Saturday 26 September, 10am–4pm
📅 Sunday 27 September, 10am–3pm

We look forward to welcoming you!

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.  

Earlier this year, talented artists from across Scotland put their creativity to work in Draw Home, our art competition celebrating the meaning of home while raising vital funds for Make It Your Own – Impact Arts’ tenancy sustainment programme supporting people at risk of homelessness in Renfrewshire.

After an incredible response and a public vote, illustrator Reilly was crowned our 2026 Draw Home winner with her beautifully detailed coloured pencil artwork, capturing a warm and welcoming hedgehog family home inspired by the classic storybooks many of us grew up with.

We caught up with Reilly to hear more about her journey back to art, the inspiration behind her winning piece, what “home” means to her, and why creativity continues to play such an important role in her life. From rediscovering her passion after changing career paths to encouraging others to embrace their own creativity, her story is a wonderful reminder of the life-changing power of making art.

Can you tell us more about you and how you first became interested in art?

So, I study illustration in Glasgow at the City of Glasgow College, but am originally from Edinburgh, and while recently I have committed myself to an artistic pursuit, it really was not that way for a long time. It was originally my older sister who taught me to draw, showing me Manga characters for the first time when we were young girls, and I continued drawing as a hobby throughout school, but it was the creative restrictions and discipline that came alongside studying Fine Art at Nat 5 and Higher that put me off creating art for a long time. It is sad to say, but I had quite a negative experience in high school with studying art, and so I went off to University to study something much more academic and boring. After three years of that though, I thankfully saw sense and realised that my consistent C-level coursework might mean that I was made for more artistic pursuits.

What kind of artwork do you like the most/specialise in?

This piece of work is actually quite a good representation of my artwork and style of drawing. I love to work with coloured pencil in large-scale drawings – the original piece is A3 in size, and I chose to make it thus so that I could squeeze in as much homely detail as possible. I am constantly inspired by children’s artwork and tend to always have a child audience in mind as I am drawing, even if it is not intentional. I am a nanny for small children alongside my studies, and that up-close observation of these children and their families is always inspiring me in my artwork; it makes me want to draw what inspires them, what entertains them and what they interact with daily.

How did you first learn about Impact Arts?

I am very grateful to have extremely helpful tutors at my college who are always encouraging us to enter different competitions or get involved with volunteering positions. One of them emailed all of us with the details of the ‘Draw Home’ competition, where I was drawn in by such an inspiring company with a real heart for community.

What made you decide to enter the Draw Home art competition?

My entire life changed in many ways when I decided to leave University and study something I was more passionate about at college instead, and one of the biggest mindset changes I have sought is that ‘it can’t hurt… what is the worst that could happen?’ With that mindset, I entered the Draw Home competition believing that I had no chance of winning, but it could not hurt to try.

Can you tell us about your winning piece? (E.g. What was the inspiration behind it? How did you create it? What do you hope people think when they see it? Etc.)

This drawing was a labour of love, taking me about three months to complete. It pays homage to all of the classic animal tales that we all grew up loving: the E.H. Shepard drawings of Winnie the Pooh and The Wind in the Willows; the Beatrix Potter worlds; the original Pauline Baynes drawings of Mr and Mrs Beavers’ house in the Narnia stories. These and so many more films and books inspired in me a love for that type of home that is so full of stuff that the everyday life just seems to be spilling out of it in the most unashamed and glorious way. I wanted this little hedgehog mother to be caught in a moment that was for her, a mundane moment of routine, but for us as the viewer we are being allowed a brief peek into her family home where the hearth is always warm, the pantry always brimming and a hedgehog mother’s hug is never more than five minutes away.

How did you feel when you found out the public had voted your artwork as the winner?

More than ever, I felt so supported by the community around me. I am so fortunate to have friends and family who were as eager to vote for me as they were. It was so awesome to see my artwork alongside work that I thought looked incredible and was so well made and to have mine chosen over theirs was an honour.

The theme of this art competition was ‘home’ and entry fees went towards Make It Your Own, our tenancy sustainment programme preventing homelessness in Renfrewshire. What does ‘home’ mean to you?

Home for me has always been paramount in the way that I express my creativity and seek comfort. It is a place where I have total control over what it looks like, feels like, sounds like, even smells like and it is such a privilege to be able to have that kind of control over an entire space. Home is a place where I have the freedom to create a space that reflects my personality in an entirely material way, where I get to turn creative thoughts into physical pieces of me.

Our mission at Impact Arts is about transforming lives through creativity. What does art and creativity mean to you? Why is it important?

Right now, art is something that I am coming back to slowly. After years of putting it to the side to pursue what I thought I wanted, I am rediscovering it again. My creativity is driving me to explore new methods, tools and techniques that, if I am honest, turn out rubbish 90% of the time, but I am learning to be okay with that too again. That has definitely been the hardest part of this process, but I really try not to let it get to me, as every artist will tell you that is what it’s all about: trying something new again and again, hoping that it might turn out somewhat cool. And on the rare occasion when it does, that is the best feeling in the world.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about exploring art and creativity? What would your words of encouragement be?

Don’t try to separate your creative self from the parts of your life that seem as though there is no room for expression. If you have an ounce of creativity in you, nurture it so that it spills into every area of your life, to parts where you never thought art could be made. Use what is around you and make something weird, something rubbish, but something new.

You can view more of Reilly’s artwork on their Instagram page: @smileyreillyyy_

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.  

Introducing the Impact Arts Youth Collective: Creativity, Leadership and the Next Generation

The Impact Arts Youth Collective (formerly known as The Sketchy Youths) is a growing, peer-led group of young creatives aged 16–24 who are taking exciting steps towards careers in the creative industries.

Made up of eight members, with more set to join soon, the Youth Collective brings together young people who have all previously engaged with Impact Arts programmes. They are each at different stages of their journey, from school and college to starting university or exploring their next steps, including those not currently in education, employment or training. What unites them is a shared passion for creativity and a drive to develop their skills, confidence and voice.

The group has been meeting weekly with a clear goal: to design and deliver their own creative workshop. In the lead-up to this, participants have taken part in a range of artist talks, workshops and skills-based sessions.

A key milestone in this journey was delivering a series of creative workshops at the recent Impact Arts team day. Leading sessions for staff, the Youth Collective brought energy, creativity and fresh perspective. A powerful demonstration of their growth, leadership and the value of youth voice within the organisation.

Their journey has also included:

  • A visit to the Strange Exchange Library and studio space at the Barras
  • Connecting with Impact Arts Youth Trustees
  • Working towards their Participative Democracy Certificate
  • A reflective session to help shape and co-design the future of the programme

These experiences are designed not only to build creative skills, but to empower participants as leaders, collaborators and decision-makers.

The group are continuing to meet one Saturday a month for creative activities and visits to arts venues/events – with the aim of building confidence and connecting with local creative/cultural organisations and people and having fun shared experiences!

Alongside this, members of the Youth Collective will soon begin volunteering across Impact Arts programmes, gaining valuable experience while supporting others on their own creative journeys.

They had a great visit from Iceland-based artists Asrun Magnusdottir and Alexander Roberts (who are doing a residency as part of Take Me Somewhere festival) they came in to get the young people’s input as they develop new work called ‘Album’ where they will identify a music album that resonates with the population of Glasgow and then get a group of local people perform it start to finish!

They also spent time in the sunshine in The Boardwalk courtyard discussing their group values and thinking about recruiting new members, as well as a trip to the Glasgow Zine Fair!

Looking Ahead

The Youth Collective is more than a programme, it’s a space for young people to lead, influence and grow. Participants gain experience in designing and delivering workshops, from painting and digital art to podcasting and comic creation, while also helping to shape the future of Impact Arts’ work.

At its heart, the Youth Collective is about amplifying youth voice, strengthening community arts, and supporting the next generation of creative leaders.

They are looking forward to starting their volunteering within Impact Arts, taking part in a public speaking workshop and running their own workshops for our Impactful Starts and Cashback groups!

We’re incredibly proud of everything this group has achieved so far, and excited to see where their creativity takes them next.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.  

Every year, Volunteers’ Week shines a light on the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s a chance to recognise the time, care, skills and compassion that volunteers give so generously, and to celebrate the positive difference they make in people’s lives every single day.

At Impact Arts, volunteers are an important part of our community. Across our projects and programmes, volunteers help create welcoming spaces, support participants to grow in confidence, and bring creativity, encouragement and kindness to everything they do. For many people, volunteering is also a powerful journey of personal growth, opening doors to new opportunities, friendships and experiences.

One person who knows this first-hand is a former participant from our Impactful Parents programme, Anita, who went from joining the project for support to becoming a volunteer, and is now working within the programme itself!

From Participant to Volunteer

“I first joined Impactful Parents as a participant during a time when I was trying to rebuild my confidence and figure out my next steps,” they explained. “The support, encouragement, and sense of community I experienced made a huge difference to me personally.”

After experiencing the positive impact of the programme, volunteering felt like a natural next step.

“Volunteering felt like a way to give something back and support other parents who may be feeling the same way I once did.”

Their experience as a volunteer quickly became transformational in its own right.

“My experience has been really positive and rewarding. Through volunteering, I gained confidence, developed new skills, and met amazing people. I felt supported and valued, and it helped me believe in myself more.”

Over time, volunteering created opportunities they never expected.

“It’s been incredible to go from being a participant to now working within the programme myself.”

The Difference Volunteers Make

Volunteers bring so much more than practical support. They bring empathy, lived experience, encouragement and understanding. Often, it’s the small moments that matter most. A friendly conversation, a warm welcome, or helping someone feel seen and listened to.

“My favourite part was seeing the positive impact even small acts of support can have on someone’s day,” they shared. “I enjoyed creating a welcoming environment where people felt comfortable, listened to, and encouraged.”

Volunteers also help build the sense of community that sits at the heart of many Impact Arts projects.

“I loved being part of such a supportive and creative team where everyone genuinely wants to help others grow.”

Thinking About Volunteering?

For anyone considering volunteering for a cause they care about, their message is simple:

“Go for it, even if you feel nervous or unsure at first. Volunteering can help you grow in ways you don’t expect. It can build confidence, create connections, and give you a real sense of purpose. You never know where it might lead, for me, it became the start of a completely new journey.”

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, energy and creativity to support others. Your contribution makes a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.