Showcase Scotland takes place as part of Celtic Connections, the largest roots music festival in Europe and the UK's most established celebration of world, traditional and folk music held in Glasgow during January each year. The Showcase Scotland six-day programme introduces international delegates to the Scottish music sector. It was initially piloted in 2000 by British Council Scotland and the Scottish Arts Council. Given its success it was adopted by Celtic Connections as a core and regular event, and is produced by Active Events with support from Creative Scotland.
British Council Scotland works with the festival to raise its international profile, ambition and reach. As the largest annual gathering of the international music community in Scotland, the showcase provides opportunities for promoters, record labels, agents and festival organisers to connect with the Scottish industry and each other.
Each year, Showcase Scotland has an international partner. In recent years these have included Ireland, Australia, India and New Zealand.
In the videos below we talk to Showcase Scotland delegates about their experience of participating in the programme.