The Edinburgh International Culture Summit is back for its fourth year.
Over 100 internationally renowned artists and culture ministers will gather at the Scottish Parliament to discuss issues of cultural investment, wellbeing and connectivity with professionals in education, healthcare and policy.
Taking place during one of the world’s greatest arts events, the Edinburgh festivals, the Summit is the perfect setting to inspire and spark conversation. More than 300 delegates, from over 40 countries, will examine the role of culture in society by sharing ideas, experience, and best practice to support worldwide cultural development.
The 2018 Summit theme is ‘Culture: Connecting Peoples & Places’. Discussions will be centred on three strands:
- Culture & Investment explores the challenges involved in government investment and cultural policy making around the world.
- Culture in a Networked World focuses on culture’s ability to build bridges between people in an increasingly interconnected world which can empower and isolate people in equal measure.
- Culture & Wellbeing will consider the role that culture can play in developing sustainable healthcare during a time of increased global lifespan.
Each theme will be discussed in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament, free public tickets to which were allocated earlier this month, and further explored in policy workshops.
The British Council is a founding partner of the Culture Summit working alongside The UK Government, The Scottish Government, The Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh International Festival. Each year we use our vast international networks to bring culture ministers and artists from across the world to Edinburgh.
Many of the sessions will be streamed online via Scottish Parliament TV.
Far from the usual political conference, several sessions will involve live performances from the international artists present. These include a movement piece on the healing power of dance, a violin solo by a former patient of Prof Bas Bloem who uses cultural practices to treat chronic illness, and a description of Faisal Abu Alhayjaa’s work as a clown in children’s wards and refugee camps across the world.
As part of Scotland’s Year of Young People, the 2018 Summit will also include 13 international youth delegates and 20 youth contributors who will participate across the programme.
Visit the Edinburgh International Culture Summit website to learn more about the programme. Miss out on tickets to the public gallery? You can keep updated via the EICS Twitter account.