British Council – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund announces new projects

• The Cultural Protection Fund has announced 22 new projects, across 10 countries, with a funding total of over £2 million

• The projects will protect cultural heritage at risk from the effects of conflict and/or climate change

• In addition to the Middle East, North and East Africa, the fund will be working in Pakistan and Nepal for the first time, as part of a South Asia pilot programme

The Laetoli footprint site in Tanzania, the oldest unequivocal evidence of human ancestors walking on two feet, is currently at risk of being lost forever due to erosion caused by increasing storms and rainfall.

A new Cultural Protection Fund project led by the University of St. Andrews will address the threats facing the footprint sites through digital documentation, training and community engagement. It will also capture local stories, myths, dance and rituals which are linked to the footprint sites, ensuring that the heritage is permanently preserved and available to future generations.

The Laetoli project is just one of 22 pieces of cultural heritage that will be safeguarded thanks to newly supported projects announced today by the Cultural Protection Fund.

Funding of over £2 million will go towards protecting cultural heritage in Syria, Iraq, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Uganda, Tanzania and for the first time, Pakistan and Nepal.

Led by the British Council in partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Cultural Protection Fund is the UK’s main response to international cultural heritage protection.

In addition to working with organisations and communities across 17 countries to protect tangible heritage – such as buildings and archaeological sites – the fund also preserves intangible heritage including music, traditional crafts and languages.

Stephanie Grant, Director of the Cultural Protection Fund at the British Council said: “Since 2016, the Cultural Protection Fund has given grants of over £50 million to 159 projects to protect cultural heritage in 19 countries, but the need for our work has never been greater.

“Last year alone we received funding requests of almost 20 times the budget for our entire current programme. We’re incredibly proud and excited to support new organisations and communities, adding 22 brilliant projects to our portfolio and expanding our work into South Asia.

“These projects will research, document and restore a wide range of valuable cultural heritage and bring together thousands of people to explore and celebrate their cultural identities.

“This is a crucial time for the Cultural Protection Fund as we are in the final year of our current three-year programme. We’re looking forward to sharing the successes and stories of our projects to make a strong case for the future of the fund.”

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “We know that people, wherever they live, take immense pride in their cultural heritage. It is a fundamental part of who we are, which is why it must always be protected so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

“This year’s successful projects will not only help to protect tangible heritage sites from the effects of conflict, instability and climate change, but also intangible heritage, such as the crafts and customs that are at the beating heart of communities around the world.

“It’s great to see the work of this fund expanding yet again this year, and I look forward to hearing more about the difference it makes to our shared heritage across the globe.”

Newly funded Cultural Protection Fund projects announced today include:

• Mitigation of Present and Future Climate Change Impact on the 3.6 million-years Laetoli Footprint Site and Winde Slaves’ Warehouse along the Tanzanian Coast

The Laetoli footprint site is currently at risk due to erosion caused by increasing storms and rainfall. In Winde, a 19th Century slave warehouse complex faces similar erosion caused by rising sea levels. Both sites will be documented in a project led by the University of St. Andrews.

• The traditional tattoos of Babylon, Iraq: documenting and preserving a threatened heritage

Deg is an endangered custom of tattooing, often used as a way to remember important people and events. As the practice of traditional tattooing declines, this project led by The American Academic Institute in Iraq (TAARI), will document the knowledge of Deg held by its elderly practitioners, to enable greater understanding of the roots of this tradition and its significance and role in local society. The project will focus on the ancient province of Babylon, collecting and documenting images of the tattoos and the stories of the women who wear them, which will be shared in an exhibition in the Museum of Babylon.

• Storytelling as Safeguarding: Protecting South Sudanese Women’s Cultural Heritage in Refugee Settings in Uganda and Kenya

In Uganda and Kenya, South Sudanese women in refugee settings will document folk songs that have been passed down through generations, thanks to a project being led by the Likikiri Collective. These songs document the robust heritage of South Sudanese communities who have migrated to neighbouring countries due to fluctuating conflicts in their region.

• Mosul Maqam

Maqam is an Arabic musical tradition with a highly structured system of melody, poetry and vocal technique that is currently at risk of total loss due to conflict and instability. In a project led by the University of Exeter, this historic art form will be preserved and rejuvenated. It will focus on the musical and lyrical heritage of the city of Mosul, where Maqam is uniquely precious to the local population in the form of folk tales, love stories and spiritual ceremonies. The project will collate, document and digitise records of authentic Maqam practices, inspiring the creation of new musical and visual artworks which will connect future generations in and beyond Mosul with this significant element of Iraq’s cultural heritage.

• Syria Cassette Archives: Three New Collections

Recorded in Syria between the 1950s and 2010s, audio recordings including a wide range of Syrian music-related heritage are currently stored in privately owned archives across the country. Featuring raw folk recordings, live wedding concerts, studio albums, soloists, classical and children’s music, the audio represents decades of Syrian intangible heritage and reflects the lived experience of large numbers of Syrian people.The material is currently at risk due to the effects of conflict in Syria, worsening the physical deterioration of the cassettes as well as causing the displacement of collectors and distributors of the music. As part of this project, the music will be documented, digitalised, recorded and safeguarded for future generations.

• Restoration and Conservation of Ge’ez Manuscripts in War Affected North Gondor and North and South Wollo Zonal Districts

Gospels, hymns, civil law, patristic literature, medicine, magic, astronomy and bibles are just some of the contents of manuscripts written in Ge’ez, a language only fluently used by a small number of priests in some war-affected parts of Ethiopia. The project team from Bahir Dar University will work on conserving manuscript preparation knowledge through providing intergenerational training and workshops in conservation and restoration for the local community.

• #NBOLibraries: New Futures for Kenya’s Archives The McMillan Memorial Library is the oldest library in Nairobi and the second oldest in Kenya. Its contents span Kenya’s colonial and post-colonial history and are of significant value to the country’s culture, heritage and identity. A project led by Book Bunk Trust will build on existing work to preserve and digitise additional endangered collections which include paper, glass film slides, photographs and film reels, while also increasing public engagement by making the library more accessible.

• Protection and Participation: IAAS Archive of Sudanese Intangible Cultural Heritage Over 6000 hours’ worth of historic material is held by the Institute of African and Asian Studies (IAAS) Archive of Sudanese Intangible Cultural Heritage. Much of the material is irreplaceable and, in some cases, it documents intangible cultural heritage that is no longer practised. The collection has been damaged in past conflicts and the current conflict continues to threaten its security. This project led by TransforMedia hopes to conduct remote digitisation to permanently preserve the collection and make it more widely accessible.

• The Khalidi Library

Khalidi Waqf will lead a project to support the preservation of, and efforts to increase public access to East Jerusalem’s written and archaeological heritage, which is at risk due to conflict and instability and climate related changes. The creation of a comprehensive architectural and archaeological study will inform planned future physical interventions to rehabilitate an important cultural centre. A separate intensive programme in the emergency preservation of ancient manuscripts will allow trainees to develop theoretical and practical skills, before applying this learning to safeguarding endangered collections.

• The Protection of Sakiya’s Cultural Heritage Site

Tangible and intangible cultural heritage at a site in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is at risk of loss due to ongoing conflict and instability. Led by Sakiya – Research and Experimental Development, this project will support the ongoing rehabilitation and preservation of the site, through research, documentation and restoration of its ancient Ayyubid architectural features and the mythologies, rituals and practices associated with it. An established education and cultural programme will give the local community opportunities to participate in the creation of visual and performance pieces and to learn new skills in traditional building methods, heritage management and protection.

• Tell Baya’a Mission House Rehabilitation, as a community centre and archaeological site of Tuttul protection

In northern Syria, several structures at the remains of an ancient city in one of the oldest archaeological sites have been severely impacted by the effects of conflict. Damage assessment and consolidation will be carried out by project lead Asociacion RehabiMed on these structures and highly significant artefacts and archaeological materials at risk of being looted will be documented and stored.

Local architects and archaeologists will also be trained in assessment, monitoring and preservation techniques. A number of people living around the site will be trained in traditional building skills before assisting in the rehabilitation of an on-site complex. Upon completion this will provide an invaluable community and civil society resource.

The details of the newly announced Cultural Protection Fund projects in Pakistan are as follows:

• Community-Based Conservation of Silk Route Heritage

Severe weather events caused by climate change are putting the unique architectural features of the 18th century Kharmang Palace and the 600-year-old Gholbasher House in the Yasin Valley at risk. We are supporting Laajverd and partners to work closely with the local communities at both sites to digitally document and repair elements of each building and hold a design residency for Shu craftspeople to help revitalise the practice.

• Preservation of the Late Buddhist rock heritage of Swat – digitization and preventive conservation Seasonal drought and heavy rainfall which cause increased instances of landslides, flash floods and rapid erosion, are endangering the Buddhist rock reliefs and inscriptions of the Swat Valley. The fund is supporting Essanoor Associates to lead a project to include community-based climate change adaptation training for local people to better care for the sites as well as digital documentation of the reliefs and conservation of 30 reliefs requiring urgent intervention.

• The Reading Room – Karachi The Khalikdina Hall and Library is one of only two remaining Reading Rooms in Karachi. Conflict-related instability has led to the building and its collections lacking appropriate management and care. This new round of grants will support Numaish-Karachi to revitalise the space through improved access to the newly conserved and digitised literary assets. They will also provide a range of cultural activities for local communities.

• Digital Heritage Trails Project (DHTP) In the Indus Delta region of Sindh, five endangered maritime archaeological sites are at risk of rising sea levels and erosion as a result of climate change. The Cultural Protection Fund is supporting MartimEA Research to lead a project to document the five sites and develop a digital trail of them across the Delta. Community engagement will capture local knowledge and folklore about the sites and the project will raise awareness of the archaeology locally through outreach activities for schools and museums.

• Preserving & Promoting the Hazara Heritage In Balochistan, where the Hazara community’s intangible cultural heritage is at risk due to the effects of conflict, Faiz Foundation Trust will protect elements of this heritage by documenting it through film and photography. The Trust will also offer capacity building for local artisans in skills associated with the promotion and protection of making kilim (a flat-woven rug or mat), Sawatkari (handmade silver jewellery) and embroidery, while the importance of the heritage will be highlighted through an advocacy and awareness raising programme.

• Manchar Lake Mohanas – Safeguarding the last surviving houseboat village from extinction The living heritage of the Mohana people who live around Manchar Lake, Sindh, is currently at risk due to increasingly severe seasonal drought and flooding brought about by climate change. In this round of grants, the NED University of Engineering and Technology will work with the community to restore all 35 of the remaining Mohana houseboats and will train young volunteers in restoration techniques to keep the way of life of the Mohana alive.

In Nepal, the Cultural Protection Fund projects which are receiving support as part of the South Asia pilot programme are as follows:

• Preservation of Indigenous Food Heritage in Nepal National Indigenous Women’s Federation will deliver this project, which focuses on diverse culinary practices in the highland regions of Nepal. Food heritage, foraging and associated cultural practices are intrinsically connected to the environment; changes in weather patterns including increased drought, heavy rain, and flooding as a result of climate change is severely impacting availability of resources vital to the continuation of this practice. To protect this heritage the project will document and record the indigenous food heritage and practices of communities across several provinces in Nepal. Women are the main carriers of this heritage and will have a leading role in identifying recipes and documenting activities.

• Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Rajas) Language and Culture for Future Generations The Kusunda Language is a distinct and critically endangered language spoken fluently by just a small number of remaining individuals in Bagmati Province, Nepal. The language represents a link to the past for the remaining Kusunda people and has unusual characteristics, including the absence of words for ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The language is therefore irreplaceable if it is lost. The language is at risk of dying out as more Kusunda people move away from the area and lose connection to this important piece of their heritage due to the impact of climate change on their livelihoods and way of life. Through courses for students at local secondary schools and the development of an online learning programme, Archive Nepal and partners hope to increase the speakership of this language and will promote the language further through the production of dual language Nepali and Kusunda books for children.

• Towards Protecting the Cultural Heritage in the High Himalayas of the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Dolpo In the Upper Dolpo region, one of the most remote areas of Nepal, monastic sites, historic settlements, and monuments are at risk of deterioration due to conflict related instability, which impacted traditional management systems to maintain and protect these sites.

• Sampada Samrakshyan Samaj Nepal (ICOMOS Nepal) will work with local government and members of the community to document and improve capacity to care for built heritage that remains an important part of socio-cultural life for the Dolpo community. A training programme in the documentation and condition mapping of built heritage, will address the existing lack of records and support the development of guidance and procedures for the continuation of this work beyond the project end, further supported through series of workshops and discussions on community-led heritage protection.

• Preservation and revival of Maithil women’s wall painting and sculpting arts The project focuses on Maithil women’s paintings and mud art heritage, which is a form of earthen architecture used to decorate mud houses with symbolic imagery that represents religious tradition of the Maithil community. Maithil women have great pride in their traditions, as this skill was traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters, upheld by women for centuries through art on walls of their mud houses. The drought has led to limited sources of income, and women’s role in society has been limited to taking care of their households while men seek employment abroad, which has led to their artistic skills and heritage to be unpractised and forgotten. Training local women in Maithil painting and mud work will ensure local people have developed skills to protect the heritage and practice the unique craft of Maithil tradition. The interviews with elderly Maithil artisans will allow local communities to better understand and value their cultural heritage. By decorating the houses in Kuwa village, using the acquired Maithil artwork tradition, local communities will play an active role in protecting their cultural heritage through training and practice – and the local area is enhanced for the benefit of communities and visitors.

Discover more about these projects at the new Cultural Protection Fund website: cultural-protection-fund.britishcouncil.org

Global EARTH scholars come together to tackle climate crisis

Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the British Council have awarded 13 EARTH Scholarships to early-career researchers from 10 countries including France, Switzerland, India, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The scholars are currently undertaking their exchanges at Scottish Universities and will be here for up to 3-months working in environmental arts and humanities.
During the exchanges, recipients will come together alongside Scotland-based PhD scholars to network, collaborate, and build connections.

THIRTEEN early-career researchers from 10 nations, including India, France, South Africa, and the United States, have been awarded the EARTH Scholarships by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the British Council.

These scholars are currently immersed in an induction with Universities across Scotland, meeting their peers and delving into the intersection of environmental arts and humanities.

Over the next two weeks, the scholars are visiting key projects right across Scotland, from archaeology practice in Glencoe to engaging in artistic practice workshops at Talbot Rice gallery in Edinburgh.

The EARTH Scholars will go on to collaborate with Scotland-based PhD scholars, fostering a vibrant and growing global network. In its second year, the EARTH Scholarships have been designed to confront the climate emergency from a new angle, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations with a focus on environmental sustainability themes and the interventions of the arts and humanities.

This year their PhD research spans topics at the intersection of arts, culture, and environmental issues, from eco-archaeology and re-wilding in Scotland and around the world, to marine governance, human rights, and climate refugees, and even AI governance and environmental sustainability.

Last week, the EARTH Scholars were in Glencoe and have been sharing their excitement about the induction weeks:

Aphiwe Moshani is a PhD candidate from South Africa based at the University of Cape Town, her research centres on ocean governance, and researching oceanic and coastal conflicts. For the next few months, she will collaborate with Scotland-based peers at the University of Strathclyde.

Aphiwe says: “Being part of the Earth Scholarships Programme has been an amazing journey. Getting to tour otherwise out-of-reach locations in the Highlands with a really thoughtful group is an experience that’s opened me up to a much deeper understandings of the environment and humanity.

“My excitement for my research has been reignited through this opportunity!”

Gala Morris, originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, is one of the Scotland- cohort based at the University of Glasgow. Gala is an early career archaeology scholar researching rewilding and the historic environment.

She adds: “The Earth Scholarships Programme has been spectacular so far. Each member of the cohort brings such a unique perspective, and our discussions on topics across the environmental humanities have been so inspiring. The programme has been incredibly enriching, and I feel very lucky to be involved!”

Professor Claire Squires Director, Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities welcomed the EARTH scholars saying: “We are thrilled to kick off the EARTH scholarships for the second year and to welcome this exceptional cohort of global scholars to collaborate with researchers from Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

“By bringing together this diverse group of scholars, we can share best practices and develop culturally informed solutions through the lens of the arts and humanities”.

Peter Brown, Director of British Council Scotland, who helped fund the programme added: “International collaboration and exchange of knowledge are crucial for tackling the global climate emergency, and we are proud to partner with SGSAH on this innovative programme.

“It’s great to see the scholars coming together to develop new environmental perspectives and creative interventions that will resonate across cultures and communities worldwide”.

The EARTH Scholars are here in Scotland to harness the power of arts and humanities to drive awareness, shift perceptions, and inspire solutions to global environmental challenges.

A key legacy of the British Council’s work at COP26 in Glasgow, the programme continues the British Council’s work building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas.

To find out more about our work in Scotland, visit us at scotland.britishcouncil.org, Twitter or Facebook.

Starcatchers take award-winning Little Top show to France

Starcatchers, Scotland’s arts and early years organisation based in Wester Hailes, have travelled to France this week to present their acclaimed co-production with SUPERFAN, “Little Top” at Les p’tites tommettes festival in Creil, France.

The show launches the Scottish showcase for the British Council’s UK-France, ‘Together We Imagine’, Spotlight on Culture, which is building artistic collaborations and celebrating the cultural links between the UK and France throughout this year.

Set in a specially designed ‘little top’ circus tent the show is designed to create a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months. At a time in their development when young children are discovering their own physicality, and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience all the fun of the circus.

Rhona Matheson, CEO of Starcatchers, is delighted to bring Little Top to France: “Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air, and anything is possible.

“We are excited to present our award-winning show, a co-production with SUPERFAN, at Festival Premières Rencontres.”

The festival appearance strengthens Starcatchers’ partnership with French arts company Compagnie ACTA, following their recent Erasmus+ collaboration exploring topics around artistic awakening in early childhood.

The two organisations have already collaborated to share research findings and exchange best practices in arts for early years. Starcatchers and Compagnie ACTA presented research at PREMIERES RENCONTRES festival 2024’s European Forum in March. The Early Childhood Principles were developed by Starcatchers, Compagnie ACTA, 2turvenhoog and LaSala Teatre.

Rhona Matheson continues: “We are very grateful to the British Council’s UK-France Spotlight Fund for this invaluable opportunity to strengthen our international connections.

“It’s a huge privilege to showcase Scottish work on this platform as we deepen our understanding of what artistic experiences can mean for very young audiences.”

Starcatchers is one of six Scottish-based awardees to receive over £100,000 in funding from the Spotlight on Culture Fund programme, funded with partners including Creative Scotland and the National Lottery.

Their festival presentation is part of a wider celebration of UK-France cultural partnerships happening throughout 2024, coinciding with major events like the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Norah Campbell, Head of Arts, British Council Scotland added: “What a wonderful opportunity for very young children to experience the magic of physical theatre for the first time. An excellent example of how through cultural exchange, artists can come together to share groundbreaking research and performance.

“We’re proud to help bring this innovative work to France, a fabulous start to the UK-France Cultural spotlight activity for this year.

“All the projects are now helping to maintain vital links between Scotland and France, and creatives across both countries are coming together to connect, collaborate and form lasting relationships.”

Scottish projects unveiled for the UK/Ukraine Creative Partnerships Programme 2024

Continuing the cultural dialogue fostered by the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, the British Council, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Institute, launches the UK/UA Creative Partnerships Programme for 2024.

The initiative aims to deepen connections between arts organisations in Ukraine and the UK.

Three exciting projects are set to unfold in Scotland as part of this program that will see Ukrainian creatives working in collaboration with artists and established arts organisations here through music, literature, performance, film, animation, and visual art.

In 2023, a successful pilot project saw five Ukrainian artists participating in residencies in Scotland. This bespoke program allowed the artists a reprieve from turmoil and an opportunity to reflect on their artistic practices and the future for the Ukrainian art sector.

We visited the residencies across Scotland, through the Future Reimagined programme. The stories feature the artists at Cove Park, Hospitalfield, Moniack Mhor, and Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop.

Hear direct from the artists and organisations involved:

Norah Campbell, Head of Arts at British Council Scotland, emphasises the potential of the new UK/Ukraine Scottish projects, saying: “It’s hugely important at this time to allow creatives the space to come together, connect, and spark ideas for the future.

“Over the last two years, we’ve worked with our counterparts and colleagues here in Scotland and Ukraine to build a long-term, supportive connections and it’s fantastic to see projects blossom across the UK with the new creative partnerships programme”.

Lucy Byatt, Director at Hospitalfield who will host a further residency and events project around the theme of Grain this year added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming artists Diana Khalilova and Oleksandr Neselenko at Hospitalfield later this year and continuing our collaboration with curator Kateryna Rusetska from Kultura Medialna.

“Our shared theme of agriculture is important for communities in Ukraine, here in Scotland, and the whole globe. It’s wonderful to see artists connect with colleagues and the local community here in Arbroath.

“I’ve no doubt that this key part of our international programme will sustain networks and relationships in Scotland and the UK for the longer term.”

Projects in Scotland include:

Dnipro-Glasgow Residency: A collaboration between Glasgow Based Art Festival Cryptic and the Dnipro International Festival of Audiovisual Art and New Media Construction, will see a unique three-week residency for a Ukrainian sound artist at Cove Park International Residency Centre in March-April, culminating in a performance at the Sonica Festival in September.

Hospitalfield Collaboration: Agriculture, the countryside, and surrounding political issues will be key themes for a public project and residency programme at Hospitalfield this summer, with Ukrainian artists Diana Khalilova and Oleksandr Neselenko in collaboration with Dnipro-based organisation Kultura Medialna and FEAST Journal. Diana Khalilova will develop a new iteration of her performance project “Public Kitchen” in conversation with the people and context of Arbroath and Angus, while Olesandr Neselenko will continue his research and artistic practice on the impact of the war on the agricultural sector.

New Voices from Ukraine and Scotland: A hybrid program of online events and a two-week residency at Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre, fostering cooperation between emerging authors from Ukraine and Scotland, facilitated by PEN Ukraine, StAnza Poetry Festival, and Moniack Mhor.

The Scottish projects were named alongside 11 other partnerships between arts organisations in Ukraine and the UK.

Find out more about the UK/Ukraine Creative Partnerships programme.

The project continues the British Council’s work in building trust and understanding through arts, education and the English language.

Scottish students debate on climate crisis at COP28 mock event

OVER 100 pupils aged between 16-18 from Scottish schools played the part of politicians, journalists, and lobbyists to debate on the climate crisis.

They were taking part in the British Council’s COP28 Climate Simulation Negotiation at Moray House, School of Education, University of Edinburgh, and had the opportunity to find out what it’s really like to negotiate a climate deal.

Delivered with Learning for Sustainability Scotland this debate was the first time the event has come to Scotland and the first in a series coordinated by the British Council in five cities across the UK.

The event kicked off with a keynote address from Learning for Sustainability lead at Scottish Government, Lucia Ramon Mateo, with the debate taking place in the run-up to the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates which starts on November 30.

During the negotiations, the pupils had to agree on a global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and successfully reduce global temperature rises to no greater than 2 degrees C, making sure that all countries were on target to reduce temperatures by 2030. To do this, they used computer software developed by Climate Interactive and MIT to create a real-life climate simulation.

They were led by Professor Peter Higgins, Director of the United Nations University Regional Centre for ESD (Scotland) and Professor Dave Reay, Executive Director at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and Professor of Carbon Management at the University of Edinburgh.

Attending the event students Rosie Zisman, and Raphael Uddin from Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh shared the role of United Nations Secretariat General.

Speaking about the negotiations, Raphael said: “Today our aim was to reduce greenhouse emissions drastically and we just reached the target agreement for warming, bang on 2.0 degrees.

“We were able to work together, compromise, and reach this goal and no countries were left behind or lost out. It was also great to have schools from Egypt join us today, to hear about their experience during COP27 and to get an insight into the different issues, especially with COP28 coming up in Dubai”.

Rosie added: “We managed to reach consensus to fund $1billion in climate financing per year globally, which was a big win.

“At 2 degrees, we will still see dramatic increases in climate change. Today gave us just a flavour of what is possible and it is progress, but not our final destination”.

Speaking at the event, Professor Reay said: “We’ve seen skilled negotiations from the students today and many congratulations to all those taking part who have worked diligently debating the issues.

“It is extremely important that we have opportunities like this to maintain the conversation about the vital importance of keeping warming under 1.5 degrees.

“This event shows that while the global conversation on the climate crisis still falters, young people have the energy, drive and ambition to focus and ask the hard questions. Today at Moray House, we have had the privilege of working with future policy makers and global citizens, a generation who already know that activism for the planet is crucial”.

Peter Brown, Director, British Council Scotland provided a welcome to the students, he said about the event: “Well done to all those involved in today’s event – I’m delighted that young people from across Scotland, the wider UK, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates are coming together to actively engage in the challenges of climate change.

“Our research at the British Council shows clearly that the climate crisis is of deep concern – particularly to young people, and this event has put students at the head of the negotiating table.

“It has given them a unique chance to experience the realities of diplomacy and international negotiation such as that taking place at COP28, providing them with the skills and confidence to take on some of the world’s biggest challenges.”

The initiative is part of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme for schools in the UK and around the world. The British Council works with education policymakers to explore effective practices from other countries and help teachers to bring an international perspective to the curriculum. This supports all young people to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to respond to global challenges and develop international understanding.

Through the Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people globally to find creative solutions to climate change in support of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in UAE this month.

The British Council is supporting the summit by engaging with networks of education professionals, students, academics, researchers, artists, civil society leaders and policymakers to participate in meaningful dialogue and bring about real change for our planet.

This event continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching.

To find out more about their work in Scotland visit:

https://scotland.britishcouncil.org/ or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

First steps towards recovery as the Festival Fringe comes to a close

TICKET SALES SLUMP BY A QUARTER

The 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe draws to a close today having brought together artists, international arts industry and media, and both loyal Fringe fans and new audiences.

After some of the most challenging years on record for the sector, the hard work and effort of the artists, venues, producers, promoters, arts and media industry, and staff should be recognised and celebrated.

The lead up brought with it understandable anxiety, as Fringe-makers took on the risk and uncertainty of returning in a year like no other. Audience patterns have changed, industrial action caused significant disruption to rail travel and refuse collection, and affordable accommodation in Edinburgh was at crisis point. This year’s festival has been a colossal and collective effort.

We recognise and thank the residents and businesses of Edinburgh and the Lothians, home to the Fringe for the last 75 years. Residents of our historic city accounted for 39% of all tickets issued (+4% on 2019), and their support and commitment to the festival is evident. Overseas audience attendances also increased, accounting for 10% of all tickets issued (+2% on 2019).

While the number of tickets issued is testament to the commitment of those who put on the shows and the audiences who came to see them, far beyond what we could have imagined at the start of the year.

The growing cost of Edinburgh for artists points to the need for long-term recovery, investment, and support to ensure the sustainability and longevity of one of the world’s most important cultural events.

Some clear challenges have emerged, and we need a collective approach to address these, or the future of this long-running beacon for cultural connection and development will be in jeopardy.

This year’s Fringe saw an estimated 2,201,175 tickets issued across 3,334 shows which were performed by artists from 63 countries. The festival welcomed diverse work from Scotland, the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, with 13 showcases including work from Canada, Finland, Belgium, Taiwan, South Korea, Ireland – North and South, Denmark and Australia.

The 2022 programme tackled themes and issues such as mental health, gender and gender identity, neurodiversity, disability, feminism, lockdown, experience of migration, LGBTQ+, politics, race and racial identity and work for children; with upcoming talent showcased alongside well-known performers and international work.

The Street Events programme was extended into new sites, with 3,284 performances by Street Performers across the programme. These included 650 Taster Stage slots on new sites in St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square in St James Quarter. 170 shows were represented, with five additional slots given to community groups and schools.

Over 35 professional development events for Fringe participants were delivered in partnership with 16 external organisations in Fringe Central, our dedicated centre for artists at the heart of the Fringe, and on Fringe Connect, our online home for artists.

The Arts Industry office accredited 1,354 producers, programmers, bookers, talent agencies, festivals and others from 45 countries, looking to find work, tour it and support artists beyond the festival itself. They were joined by over 770 of the world’s media, and 147 delegates who participated in Screen Fringe.

The communities, learning and access team worked on a number of key initiatives, including loaning out 150 sensory backpacks for autistic children and adults. BSL interpretation took place in West Parliament Square on five days of the festival, and a dedicated Changing Places toilet was located beside George Square.

The Society worked with over 30 Edinburgh charities and community groups to distribute over £60,000 of Fringe vouchers and Lothian bus tickets, enabling residents from across the city to experience the festival, many for the very first time. In addition, over 900 schoolchildren came to the Fringe as part of our schools’ outreach work.

Shona McCarthy, CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Our enormous congratulations go out to everyone who came together to create the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

“This year’s festival is the first step in what will be a long road to recovery and renewal. The hard work of thousands of artists, and hundreds of venues, producers and staff has combined to deliver the 75^th anniversary festival during one of the most challenging summers on record.

“We recognise the significant amount of work that is still required to support the long-term sustainability of this phenomenal Festival. As we review and discuss all the learnings from this year, our focus this autumn will be on planning for the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe.

“Collectively we will work to advocate for greater support for those at the heart of the Fringe – our artists. The eyes of the world look to this historic city every August, and we need to work together to ensure the Fringe is the best place for creatives to express their ideas, audiences to support them and for people across the sector to develop their skills and careers for the next 75 years.”

Benny Higgins, Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, added: “I add my congratulations to those that worked tirelessly this August to deliver the 75^th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The importance of this festival cannot be underestimated. Artists use the Fringe as a place to perform, connect and springboard onto their next career opportunity.

“Recovery takes time, and that is why in June we launched our future development goals. The Society acts to offer anyone a stage and everyone a seat, and there is much to do in the coming months. We need to ensure the Fringe is the best place for thriving artists, while ensuring fair work and good citizenship.

“Our digital experience will be key to delivering our climate action targets, and we need to do more to ensure who you are, and where you’re from, is not a barrier to attending or participating in the Fringe.”

As a charity, the work of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners, sponsors and funders.

We are hugely grateful to the support of partners City of Edinburgh Council, EventScotland, Creative Scotland, The Scottish Government, British Council, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, St James Quarter and Nuveen.

Our thanks to sponsors TikTok, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh Gin and Cirrus Logic. Our continued appreciation also to our Fringe Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters who help make the Fringe happen each year.

Next year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 04 – 28 August 2023.