Hot Snakes Studio, a six-member arts collective based in Leith's Custom House in Edinburgh, is preparing for its second exhibition, titled "Year of the Snake," opening later this month. The group, composed of working creators including Phil Morrell (Surface Ritual), Robbie McKay (Whisky Kuts), Matt Sloe (Sinclair), Ross MacRae, Rhory Gardiner (Hungry Window), and Tom Hatch (Journeyman Signs), will showcase personal work that explores themes such as folklore, African traditions, and environmental issues. The show is entirely self-funded and grassroots, with support from local businesses like Pizza Geeks.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the challenges and rewards of collective, self-directed creative practice in a local context. For these artists, who often work on commercial or teaching projects, "Year of the Snake" represents a rare opportunity to exhibit work free from client constraints, fostering collaboration and personal development. The show also underscores the importance of accessible, community-driven art spaces like Custom House, which provide a platform for emerging and mid-career artists to experiment and connect with audiences outside the mainstream gallery system.