Edinburgh International Culture Summit 2016

Summit gives the public and artists an opportunity to hear first-hand from world leading cultural figures on critical issues.

Tickets available through Scottish Parliament.
Public sessions address the protection of Cultural Heritage, resourcing the cultural sector in challenging times, and breaking down barriers to cultural participation.
Main Summit sessions open to public to be addressed by speakers including Youssou N’Dour, Grammy-award winning songwriter and Former Minister of Culture for Senegal, Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, Director-General Antiquities and Museums in Syria and David Leventhal, Programme Director and founding teacher of Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD programme, New York.
Over 60 speakers from countries including Syria, Nigeria, Mexico, India, South Africa, Australia and the US.
Edinburgh International Culture Summit runs 24 – 26 August

This three day event will bring together artists from all disciplines and culture policy spokespeople from across the world alongside Culture Ministers. The Summit falls just a few days after a crucial moment for culture taking place at the International Criminal Court in The Hague: For the first time the destruction of Cultural Heritage is included in a trial alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mali in 2012.

The public will have the opportunity to hear from those at the heart of these issues who will share their knowledge and their personal stories over three days at the third Edinburgh International Culture Summit.

Tickets are available to five sessions – the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 24 August, each of the three strands of the Summit’s public plenary sessions and the closing session on Friday 26 August.

Each of the sessions open to the public will take place in the Debating Chamber and will be chaired by the Presiding Officer, Ken Macintosh MSP.

Members of the public interested in attending sessions over the three days may apply for up to two tickets for each session by emailing visit@parliament.scot

On Thursday morning the public can hear from world class speakers – Francesco Bandarin, Assistant Director-General for Culture UNESCO Paris, and Dr Maamoun Abdulkarim, Director-General Antiquities and Museums in Syria on the issues and opportunities around Culture and Heritage.

On Thursday afternoon the focus is on Culture and Economics, and the Summit will hear opening statements from Jude Kelly Artistic Director Southbank Centre, London, Youssou N’Dour former Minister of Culture for Senegal, and Mike Power Professor of Accounting London School of Economics.

The final strand looking at Culture and Participation welcomes David Leventhal, Programme Director and founding teacher, Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® programme, New York, Jay Wang, Director Center on Public Diplomacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles and Matthew Peacock, Artistic Director Streetwise Opera London to share their views and experience on the challenges and opportunities of participation.

The Edinburgh International Culture Summit is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, UK Government, British Council, Edinburgh International Festival and Scottish Parliament, delivered on behalf of the partners by the Edinburgh International Culture Summit Foundation.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Ken Macintosh MSP said: “We all gain so much from living in a country with such a rich and varied cultural heritage and we could both share and learn from others too. Following on from the Edinburgh International Festival and our own Festival of Politics, this summit brings together cultural voices and policy makers from around the world.

“I see the role of the Scottish Parliament as a vital one in supporting culture and providing a platform for debate. This is a unique opportunity for members of the public to be involved in this important debate.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Previous Culture Summits have shaped regional and global arts policy, and have created an effective international forum bringing genuine dialogue between ministers, policy makers and artists. The 2016 Culture Summit will host a range of nations and cultures, and is the perfect platform to develop that dialogue.

“This year, the public are invited to attend key sessions, such as breaking down barriers to cultural participation, and hear from some impressive international speakers – from Grammy Award winners to trail-blazing New York dance group founders, from Syria to Australia.

“The 2016 public sessions offer a unique insight into cultural engagement, something that has never been more important and essential in the ever-changing world we live in today.”

Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture said” “I am delighted that so many leading figures from across the globe are joining us in Edinburgh for this important event.

“The UK is a world-leader in cultural protection and we recently opened our £30 million fund to provide vital support for countries where cultural heritage is at risk.

“I look forward to meeting Culture Ministers and experts to discuss these significant issues and celebrate arts and culture around the world.”

Jackie Killeen, Director British Council Scotland said: “The unique backdrop of the Edinburgh Festivals – where people share their stories and create new stories together – is the ideal context for this important gathering of policy makers, artists, Culture Ministers and wider participants. Culture connects us, creating a friendly knowledge and understanding of each other within communities and indeed across countries, as well as the opportunity to explore ideas and challenges together.”

Fergus Linehan, Director Edinburgh International Festival said: “It’s an important principle that any interested public, and particularly artists, have the opportunity to attend the Summit and hear from leading international speakers who have a great deal to contribute to the cultural conversation happening here in Scotland, the UK and around the world.”

Sir Jonathan Mills, Director Edinburgh International Culture Summit Foundation said: “The Edinburgh International Culture Summit is a gathering of great minds and vast experience. It presents a unique occasion for Culture Ministers and policy makers from throughout the world to consider global issues with new perspectives. The Summit is delighted to share this opportunity directly with members of the public gathered in Edinburgh for the Festivals, and of course with so many diverse artists both from Scotland and beyond who are in the city during the world’s greatest cultural event. So, if you are interested in hearing an artist such as the great Senegal singer, Youssou N’Dour, who also served as his country’s minister of culture, share a platform with cultural leaders like Dr Mammoun Abdulkarim from Syria, join us at the Scottish Parliament from 24 August. I hope that the Summit will offer those who attend something truly inspiring and potent.”