pARTicipate and the Telephone-Exchange micro-gallery
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pARTicipate and the micro-gallery in the phone cabins
The Telephone-Exchange art space is a micro-gallery right in the heart of North Berwick. Set in three original phone cabins at the west end of the High Street, this is where local artists, school groups and members of the wider community can share art, ideas and stories.
These unique cabins are leased by NB Heritage from Royal Mail Group. Since 2019, they have been lovingly restored and enhanced and are now used by the community for public art displays. The aim is simple: to bring colour, creativity and conversation into our town centre – and to offer a platform where everyone is welcome.
We make art accessible
You don’t need to be a professional – just someone with an idea and the passion to bring it to life. This is a space for experimentation, storytelling and expression – open to local groups, artists, students, schools, and anyone from the local area or beyond.
The project is managed by Julia Zeller-Jacques, Trustee of NB Heritage and owner of the Rock & Bird art shop. Julia works closely with contributors to help keep the cabins vibrant and full of fresh, thought-provoking displays all year round.
Why it matters!
North Berwick is more than just a beautiful seaside town. It’s a place full of energy, creativity, and community spirit.
With over 100 community groups active in the area (Coastal Communities Survey, 2018), pARTicipate is proud to contribute to this vibrant landscape by:
making art a visible, everyday part of life;
encouraging creative expression for all ages;
showcasing local stories and perspectives;
collaborating with schools, local groups and volunteers.
Together, we bring creativity into everyday life. Together, we thrive.
Anyone can take part
Whether you're an experienced artist, a keen crafter, a teacher, or simply someone with a creative idea – we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need any formal background in art – just the enthusiasm to get involved. Want to show your work or collaborate on a project? Contact us – we’ll support you every step of the way.
It’s free. It’s for everyone. It’s pARTicipate.
Guidelines for local groups, artists, and community members using the Telephone-Exchange Art Space micro-gallery for projects and installations.
Telephone-Exchange Guidelines - Jul 2025.docxPrevious Installations
Here are just some of the powerful installations that have taken place in the phone cabins:
Smartphone-Free NBHS – a community art project raising awareness about mobile phone use among young people.
Tetiana Hurn – a striking mural created by a Ukrainian artist living in East Lothian.
Art project by Dirleton School to celebrate the Solar Walk - a scaled walk of our solar system from Dirleton to Archerfield.
D. Pryke Thomas – a thought-provoking installation on the history of the North Berwick witch trials.
Katie Ebben-Smith's installation on the theme of 'different lines of communication' - phone boxes and post boxes, telegrams, airmail letters and so on, forming a riot of witty and vibrant images inspired by GPO 60s adverts.
Susie Wilson’s Word Piece – a poetic installation inspired by the language of the Shipping Forecast, developed with Abbey residents.
Remembrance Day Display – poppies and pebbles hand-painted by local children in memory of those who served.
'Caring and sharing'. A display of images by North Berwick's famous photographer, Pat Christie.
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