Tag: collaboration

Edinburgh launches new accessibility guide for the city

Forever Edinburgh has launched a brand-new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide in partnership with award-winning Edinburgh-based disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide.

The guide highlights Edinburgh’s leading attractions, experiences and travel tips that provide facilities, products and services for people’s differing accessibility requirements. It supports Forever Edinburgh’s work to promote the city’s kaleidoscope of experiences and offerings as an ideal holiday location for everyone. Forever Edinburgh has worked closely with Euan’s Guide, a leading UK charity that helps disabled people find accessible venues.

The new guidebook reinforces the historical city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility to allow everyone to enjoy its heritage status. Designed to help disabled visitors enjoy everything the city has to offer, it covers all 11 neighbourhoods of Edinburgh and showcases accessible experiences for all tastes – including Edinburgh’s cultural events and year-round festivals, heritage experiences, museums and galleries, sports and outdoor activities and places to stay, eat and drink.

It also provides essential practical information, such as:

  • Details on relaxed sessions and dementia-friendly spaces.
  • Venues with ground-level access and flat floors for wheelchair users.
  • Location of accessible toilets.
  • Audio-described shows and sensory-friendly experiences.
  • Links to full AccessAble Guides for applicable attractions.

Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said:  “We really want everyone to enjoy our city and to feel safe and included. That’s why I’m pleased to see this joint work with Euan’s Guide, which is a welcome move towards ensuring all visitors can fully experience the joy of our capital.

“The latest estimates indicate 16.1 million people in the UK have a disability, which is around one in four people. We also know that 21.4% of Scots have a long-term illness, disease, or condition. These figures emphasise the importance of accessibility initiatives like this, to ensure inclusivity for all.

“Plus, by enabling those with disabilities to book a stay in Edinburgh more easily and confidently, local businesses will also benefit. Tourism in Scotland by those with an impairment raises a significant £1.69 billion.” *sources: The Department for Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey In Scotland; the 2022 Census; VisitScotland.

These figures underscore the importance of accessibility initiatives to ensure inclusivity for all. Additionally, by enabling those with disabilities to book a stay in Edinburgh more easily and confidently, local businesses will reap the financial benefits of a large number of potential visitors.

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Antonia Lee-Bapty, CEO of Euan’s Guide said: “Our community regularly tells us that they continue to be excluded from everyday activities, like going for a simple cup of coffee with friends, because of poor or non-existent disabled access information.

“Insights from our 2024 Access Survey report that 78% of disabled people don’t feel confident about visiting new places when it comes to accessibility.

“Businesses don’t appreciate the importance of sharing disabled access information and are undervaluing disabled people in terms of both social inclusion and spending power by neglecting their accessible toilets and parking facilities. That’s why we encourage them to list on EuansGuide.com for free to reach tens of thousands of disabled people looking for great places to go.

“Equally, we want to encourage disabled people to review the Edinburgh places they visit on EuansGuide.com and use our website to find first-hand experiences of disabled access across the city.

“We’re delighted to partner with Forever Edinburgh on this guide, which will allow disabled people to find accurate disabled access information for great places to go in Edinburgh, the city we’re proud to call home.”    

A lady browses the stalls at Edinburgh’s Christmas Market.

Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Inclusive tourism is a hugely valuable market and a key part of VisitScotland’s responsible tourism activity. More than that, it is vitally important tourism, and events are accessible and inclusive, so that we can be sure to extend the same warm welcome to all visitors and help them create special memories. 

“The latest Scotland Visitor Survey shows that while many visitors with access requirements find it very easy to get around Scotland there are clear areas for improvement. A simple and effective way our industry can engage with disabled customers is providing clear, detailed, and easy to access information, such as this new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide.” 

The new guide forms part of Forever Edinburgh’s wider efforts to promote sustainable tourism and ensure Edinburgh is a truly welcoming destination for all. The Forever Edinburgh team continues to upskill through training courses to strengthen its approach to inclusive destination marketing.

This is the first version of Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide, which will be regularly updated. Forever Edinburgh encourages people to send in any feedback or comments they may have to help shape future updates via an online form (see link below) or via email to visit@edinburgh.gov.uk

Alongside the guidebook, visitors can now filter businesses based on accessibility needs via The Official Guide to Edinburgh website edinburgh.org, which also integrates disability-inclusive content across its blogs, listicles, newsletters,  and wider destination marketing resources.

The Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide is now available online at www.edinburgh.org/AccessibleHighlights

A large text version of the guide is also available. Feedback on Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide can be given via a form on this webpage.

New collaboration to tackle health inequalities launched

The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland launches plans this week to bring about significant change to reduce health inequalities in three of Scotland’s local authority areas.

This collaboration brings together Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (IHE) with councils and health boards in Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. 

Over the next two years, this partnership will help local areas and Community Planning Partners to strengthen their local plans to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing in their communities. It will support local partners to understand the actions which will have the greatest impact on health inequalities locally and help to overcome the barriers to implementing these.

The ultimate goal is to enable people to live longer, healthier lives by addressing the root causes of health inequalities and preventing illness before it starts. By creating conditions where communities can thrive, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change.

A key element of the collaboration is its role in bridging the gap between national policies and local implementation. The insights and learning from the collaboration will be shared across Scotland through a dedicated learning system, ensuring that communities nationwide can benefit from the knowledge gained.

To mark the beginning of the partnerships, each of the three local areas host launch events this week. These events will serve as a platform to engage with the community, share the vision of the collaboration, and kickstart this ambitious project to build a healthier, more equitable Scotland.

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, said: “Our mission in Public Health Scotland is to see life expectancy increase and health inequalities reduced. The circumstances in which we are born, live and work have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives.  People born in the most deprived areas are dying, on average, a decade earlier than their wealthier neighbours.

“It’s possible to change this by taking action across the range of factors that impact on health and wellbeing. That is what this new partnership is all about. We’re determined to see an improvement in Scotland’s long-term health outcomes, and we can do this by uniting partners from across the system including the NHS, local government, community and voluntary sectors, and businesses.

“The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland will bring together national expertise, informed by the success of ‘Marmot Places’ across England and Wales, with local knowledge to agree priority actions and support meaningful change.

“We’re looking forward to working and learning together with a determined focus to see improvement in health, wellbeing and life expectancy across Scotland.” 

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the IHE said: “Research in Scotland has demonstrated dramatic differences in health and life expectancy within and between areas in Scotland. Progress in improving health stalled after 2010, in Scotland as in other parts of the UK, and health inequalities increased.

“We have been working with places in England and Wales to implement change at local level to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We are inspired by the commitment of communities and local leaders to improve the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

“We are now delighted to launch programmes of work in three places in Scotland. Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of people’s lives thereby tackling health inequalities within their area.

“This local action will also inform national system leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.”

Find out more about the Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland

Find out more about the UCL Institute for Health Equity

Police Scotland launch BSL videos to support deaf survivors of domestic abuse

Police Scotland, supported by Heriot-Watt University, has created a series of British Sign Language (BSL) videos aimed at the deaf community affected by domestic abuse.

The series, comprising 13 videos, provides crucial information on domestic abuse, including how to recognise abusive behaviours and how to report them. These videos are available on the Police Scotland website, offering accessible resources for the deaf community.

Professor Jemina Napier, Chair of Intercultural Communication at Heriot-Watt University, collaborated with Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit (DACU) and its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit to develop the project.

As a leading expert in the field of sign language interpreting and translation, Professor Napier brought extensive experience, having led significant studies such as Justisigns2 and SILENT HARM, which were among the first UK research efforts to document the unique experiences of deaf women surviving domestic abuse and communicating via interpreters.

In this latest project, Professor Napier led a mixed deaf-hearing team of experts who created a BSL glossary of 33 key terms related to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. This glossary was integral to the videos, ensuring that critical concepts were accurately conveyed in BSL.

Professor Napier explained: “The translation of the videos was made possible through generous support from the Heriot-Watt University Impact Acceleration Fund, allowing us to effectively donate the BSL-translated videos to Police Scotland.

“Collaborative research and evidence-based development of resources like these are essential to ensure that deaf individuals reporting domestic abuse have equitable access to information, services, and support. It also ensures that BSL interpreters are equipped to meet the needs of deaf BSL users in such sensitive contexts.”

Early next year, Professor Napier will begin a new project examining the impact of domestic abuse on families across the UK.

The 12-month study will involve interviews with deaf survivors of domestic abuse and practitioners, documenting the impact on children as co-victims if they get drawn into interpreting for their deaf parents in domestic abuse situations.

The new Police Scotland videos tackle some of these barriers by translating key information into BSL. Topics include questions such as “What is domestic abuse?” and “What can I do if this is happening to me?”

Detective Constable Sarah Winters, from Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit, has been working with Professor Napier on the development of these videos.

She said: “The opportunity to collaborate on these groundbreaking projects has been one of the most profound and humbling experiences of my career. I feel incredibly privileged to have learned directly from those with lived experience.

“Their courage and insights have not only broadened my understanding but reignited a determination to drive meaningful change. The work is far from over – this is the start of a dedicated journey to ensure that all survivors of domestic abuse have access to the resources and services they need, delivered in a way that truly supports and empowers them.

“Partnering with Professor Napier and HWU has been a truly enriching experience, showcasing the power of collaboration in achieving transformative progress.”

The videos are available now and can be accessed on the Police Scotland website.

Exploring Cultural Heritage: Granton at the Seaside

Cultural heritage: Granton at the seaside

14th December from 10am – 1:30pm

Book here: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/cultural-heritage-granton-at-the-seaside-tickets-1101784339619?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cultural heritage: Granton at the seaside

14th December – 10am – 1:30pm

This project, a collaboration between Universities in Edinburgh, Paris, and Madrid, in addition to granton:hub and Edinburgh World Heritage, explores:

-How we can balance new development with the protection of cultural heritage.

-How local people make cultural heritage.

-How this making can improve lives.

-How the edges of cities hold them together.

The days leading up to the event, a wide range of community representatives will share views on why and how these ‘elements’ are valuable – as heritage in Granton, but also to the city of Edinburgh and the world beyond.

In addition, school teachers, after-school providers, and workers in further and lifelong education, will also explore their contribution to local learning.

On Saturday 14th December, we shall be sharing our discussions with the general public through an exhibition.

We would like to invite anyone to come along and share their views.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/cultural-heritage…

Collaborations to research Arctic Whales is signed by Heriot-Watt and HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Pioneering research to protect and conserve Arctic whale populations is to begin under a new five-year collaboration between Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), a world leader in travel exploration.

The partners have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), beginning in 2024, to research challenges facing marine life in the high Arctic – the most northern part of the Arctic region and one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.

The agreement will see Heriot-Watt University and HX work together on the Whales & Arctic Vessels Project (WAVE), a collaboration driven by the urgent need to better understand how often and where whales are encountering vessels in the high Arctic, and how whales are responding to these interactions – an area of research that remains largely unexplored.

“We have very little understanding about how frequently Arctic whales are encountering vessels in the high Arctic and how they may be impacted by these interactions,” explained project lead Dr Lauren McWhinnie, an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society.

“We know in other areas of the world that whales can be affected by vessels in a variety of ways, from exposure to underwater noise to being physically stuck or disturbed.

“As vessel activity increases in the Arctic, it’s important that we work with industry, policy makers and communities to ensure that the maritime sector is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner and is not placing any further pressure on these animals whose habitat is significantly changing due to climate change.”

Heriot-Watt University is the first UK university to partner with HX in a project of this scale. The collaboration will see the two organisations jointly publish findings, delivering impact reports and scientific results that will further the understanding of the pressures on Arctic whale populations and contribute to global conservation efforts.

The partnership will harness HX’s extensive expedition network and will benefit vastly from the company’s ability to engage both guest passengers and the wider public in this important environmental research.

Heriot-Watt’s researchers will benefit from access to multiple vessels within the fleet, enabling scientists to conduct multi-year data collection in areas rarely surveyed. Passengers aboard HX ships on planned commercial voyages will also have the opportunity to participate in citizen science programmes, both contributing valuable data and allowing them to see how their contributions can make a difference.

Dr Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist for HX, said the research would help improve our understanding of the pressures on Arctic whales and enrich the knowledge and experience HX can provide to its guests: “As Chief Scientist for HX, I have the honour of working alongside various scientists across different disciplines to get a deeper understanding of the processes governing our planet, and the impact we (as humans) are having on it,”

Dr Meraldi said. “Conveying this to our guests and getting them involved in projects such as WAVE is exactly the kind of project we look to support. We hope by supporting this project we will support further knowledge and understanding of Arctic whales, and also enrich the journeys and mindset of our guests.

“This MoU represents a vital collaboration between academia and industry, aiming to advance the scientific understanding of Arctic ecosystems, while making a tangible contribution to whale conservation in the region.”

The collaboration aims to promote global awareness and support the conservation of Arctic whale species, while gathering critical data to inform and support evidence-based management strategies. WAVE also seeks to foster academic growth in marine sciences by supporting and developing the next generation of researchers.

With increasing vessel activity being documented in the Arctic, it is crucial for academia to work alongside industry partners, policymakers, and local communities to ensure that both future and current use of this marine space takes place in a responsible and sustainable manner, the scientists say.

This is particularly important given the significant changes to the habitat of Arctic whales, caused by climate driven sea ice reductions, and the need to avoid adding further pressures on these vulnerable species.

Dr McWhinnie said: “When we are working to conserve whales, we are so often on the back foot – reacting to deal with a problem that is already having a documented impact.

“What’s incredibly exciting about this research is that we are being more proactive, trying to make sure an impact doesn’t occur, and learning from lessons we’ve seen arise elsewhere.

“As a researcher this is a truly fantastic opportunity to bring about a positive change, and I’m incredibly excited to work with our partners, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, to ensure that future vessels visiting the Arctic will have a minimal impact on these incredible animals.”

QMU teams up with Hearts FC and professional theatre company to revive historic plays at Tynecastle

A university in Edinburgh has formed a unique collaboration with an award-winning theatre company to co-produce two ambitious plays for Heart of Midlothian Football Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations this year.

The hugely popular and critically acclaimed shows, A War of Two Halves, and Sweet FA, will be revived in collaboration with BA (Hons) Acting & Performance and BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction students at Queen Margaret University (QMU).

Taking place across November 2024, the shows will be performed at the renowned home of Heart of Midlothian FC, Tynecastle Park.

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that our students will get the opportunity to perform at such an iconic Edinburgh venue and help Hearts mark their special 150th anniversary – an experience that I’m sure will stay with them for years to come.

“As we celebrate 150 years of Queen Margaret University in 2025, we take pride in the many meaningful collaborations we’ve fostered over the years, each of which reflects our deep commitment to supporting our stakeholders and enriching the communities we serve. This new partnership, merging the vibrant worlds of theatre and sport, perfectly embodies QMU’s core values of creativity, innovation, and community engagement.”

Heart of Midlothian FC has welcomed productions at Tynecastle Park since 2018 and recognises their vital contribution to the heritage and cultural understanding of the club and its history.

Throughout this year of Hearts’ 150-year celebrations, the club has found a number of innovative ways to commemorate this important milestone. 

Ann Park, Director of Communities and Partnerships at Hearts, said: “Both of these productions highlight important episodes from the club’s proud history, and we are thrilled that both plays make these accessible and captivating for football and non-football audiences alike.”

A War of Two Halves is a powerful story about the Heart of Midlothian players who, in 1915, showed tremendous courage and team spirit and volunteered en masse for McCrae’s Battalion. This promenade performance leads the audience on a moving journey through various locations around Tynecastle Park, including the home dressing room.

Sweet FA is a companion piece to A War of Two Halves. It is a play with music that tells the inspiring tale of an Edinburgh women’s factory team in 1915, united by their passion for football and their unwavering support and love for one another against the backdrop of the ban on Women’s Football. It will be performed in a purpose-built stage within the main concourse at Tynecastle Park.

The cast of Sweet FA will also be performing at half time of the Women’s Premier League Capital Cup game on 17th November.

Ann, continued: “A War of Two Halves performed to sell out audiences in 2018, 2019 and 2022. BBC Radio 4’s Front Row listed Sweet FA as one of the three must-see shows across 2021’s Fringe and International Festival.

“It is fitting that it is being revived on the 50th anniversary of the lifting of the ban on Women’s Football in 1974. Brilliant dialogue and powerful songs deliver a timely, no holds barred, take on Scottish culture during the Great War.”

Bruce Strachan, co-founder of Two Halves Productions and Lecturer in Acting and Performance at QMU, said: “This new collaboration between us, Hearts Heritage and Queen Margaret University, looks to build on the award-winning success of these two ambitious plays, rooted in the history of Edinburgh.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for two young casts, on the cusp of their launch into the professional world, to explore the importance of these stories and their impact on local history and contemporary Scottish theatre. Given current global events, both pieces serve as a timely reminder of the horrors and futility of world conflict.”

A War of Two Halves and Sweet FA will take place at Tynecastle Park from the 9th to the 21st November 2024 with varying performance times. To purchase your ticket, visit Heartsfc.co.uk. 

The Tiger Keeper Who Came To Tea: Virgin Hotels launches a roarsome afternoon tea in collaboration with Edinburgh Zoo

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with one of the city’s most beloved attractions, Edinburgh Zoo.

Together, they are set to launch a roarsome Afternoon Tea experience, taking inspiration from the cherished children’s book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea. This family-friendly event will debut on Friday, 18th of October, perfectly timed to coincide with the October school break.

The collaboration aims to provide a truly unique and unmissable experience for both locals and visitors to the capital. The event will take place in the hotel’s stunning Oculus Lounge, combining the opulence of the hotel’s popular Afternoon Tea service with a playfully wild twist for its younger guests.

Those who attend can expect a fun and immersive experience, hosted by one of Edinburgh Zoo’s talented Discovery Rangers.

The Ranger will kick off the event with an exciting storytelling experience, which allows guests to learn about the resident tigers at Edinburgh Zoo.

But that’s not all: the specially themed Afternoon Tea menu will also include a carefully curated selection of treats for children, ensuring that the whole family has a roaring good time.

Guests can enjoy a stylish Afternoon Tea menu of exquisite pastries paired with savoury treats and finely brewed teas, while the younger ones enjoy special treats like tiger cookies, milk chocolate pandas, scones and more! Pricing begins at £35 for adults and £15 for children, with two sittings available at 1pm and 3pm.

Adding to the excitement, guests will also get a glimpse straight into the ‘Tiger Den’ at Edinburgh Zoo on the day through a live stream.

Following the event, guests will be invited to the Scarlett Lounge for an exclusive screening of The Tiger Keeper Who Came to Tea animated film, giving adults the opportunity to relax with refreshments at Eve or Commons Club Bar.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We’re thrilled to offer our guests this unique family Afternoon Tea experience.

“Our collaboration with Edinburgh Zoo for this themed Afternoon Tea allows us to craft a memorable and educational day out, perfectly aligning with our mission to deliver family experiences that can be enjoyed by all.”

You can find out more information about this partnership here. Reservations can also be made by emailing afternoontea@virginhotels.com

You can also follow along on social media here: 

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

SCVO and partners launch Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter

A trailblazing partnership between the national membership body for Scotland’s voluntary organisations and the Scottish Government has launched a milestone charter to improve digital inclusion.  

Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter is a collaborative initiative between the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Scottish Government, aiming to ensure that, if they choose to, every individual and community across Scotland can benefit from the digital world. 

The Charter, hosted and managed by SCVO, states that digital inclusion is “everyone’s responsibility”, and demonstrates how people can get involved in supporting further digital equity in Scotland. 

The initiative commits organisations to tackling digital exclusion in any way that they can. By providing a framework for action, organisations can use the Charter to structure and resource digital inclusion work regardless of who they work with. 

Currently, around 700,0001 people don’t have access to the Internet in Scotland. This significantly impacts their ability to access health services, banking, online shopping, better deals and savings and communicating with loved ones. 

Sally Dyson, Head of Digital and Development at SCVO, underscored the vital role of the voluntary sector in achieving digital inclusion. She said: “SCVO has been leading the charge for digital inclusion in Scotland for more than ten years now.  

“We work collaboratively across our sector and beyond to make sure that we drive home the message that everyone is responsible for digital inclusion 

“We know that the digital divide seems to be widening over time, and we think that every organisation in Scotland can get involved in supporting the people they work with.  

“SCVO is proud to have developed and established Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter in partnership with Scottish Government, and we’re looking forward to supporting organisations of all sizes to sign up and show their support.” 

Ivan McKee, MSP and Minister for Public Finance, represented the Scottish Government and highlighted the importance of this initiative for Scotland’s future. He said: “I pleased to see the relaunch of the Digital Participation Charter as Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter.

“The Charter has been a collaborative effort between Scottish Government and SCVO and includes five new pledges to support organisations take ownership of digital inclusion.

“Digital inclusivity is fundamental to the Scottish Government in achieving our key priorities, and through working with SCVO we are able to support organisations to make substantial impact on the lives of people vulnerable to digital exclusion.” 

The launch event, held at Standard Life House and hosted by Standard Life, brought together key stakeholders in a united effort to bridge the digital divide. 

Andy Young, representing Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are a digital-first organisation,  but we recognise that digital can be a barrier for some people, so we’ve made it a priority to help those who need extra support through delivery of our digital inclusion strategy.

“We welcome and support the work that SCVO is doing in this space, and are pleased to commit to the principles outlined in the Digital Inclusion Charter, which will provide a vital framework for organisations across all sectors to help those who want to become more comfortable using technology in their everyday lives.”   

Find out more about Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter at digitalinclusion.scot.  

Scotland hosts global cultural leaders for festival hub of international exchange

The Momentum Delegate Programme kicks off in Edinburgh today, Wednesday 7 August, acting as a central hub from the world-leading Festival City to connect key cultural players from across the world with the wider Scottish and international cultural sector.  

Every August during the Edinburgh Festivals the capital of Scotland becomes a global celebration of culture and creativity, with citizens of the city and the country joined by artists and audiences from all over the world. 

At Momentum, a cohort of producers, government agencies, funders, stakeholders and programmers from invited countries will join a tailored programme of networking and meetings with creative practitioners, policymakers and educators in Scotland.

The collaborations established will enable long-term relationships, platforming Scotland and its artists and art organisations on the world stage and further cementing Scotland’s international cultural reputation.  

Led by Festivals Edinburgh, in partnership with Creative Scotland and British Council Scotland, with additional support from City of Edinburgh Council and Event Scotland, the hub will open its doors from Creative Scotland’s Edinburgh headquarters at Waverley Gate. 

On behalf of Momentum partners, Julia Amour, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are distinctively Scottish yet profoundly international, and we’re delighted to welcome cultural representatives from around the globe to our Momentum programme, where we will help them build relationships with our festivals and the wider Scottish cultural sector.” 

The 36 delegates arriving are from Viet Nam, Sweden, South Korea, the MENA region (Middle East & North Africa), Türkiye, Mexico and Poland – as well as two artform delegations for Literature and Visual Arts. Information on each area, its delegates and sessions are available on the Momentum website.  

Since 2011, Momentum has brought over 700 international delegates to Edinburgh during the buzz of the city’s August festivals. These have contributed to multiple collaborations, most recently:  

Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT) connected with Ciało/Umysł, an international contemporary dance festival in Warsaw, developed from a meeting set up by the Momentum team last year. After the initial introduction, with support from the Momentum follow-up fund, SDT Artistic Director Joan Clevillé visited Poland for Ciało’s dance platform.   

SDT’s Senior Producer, Robyn Jancovich-Brown said: “The visit enabled SDT to get a sense of the scene, visit venues, make more connections in the area, and, critically, really understand the cultural and political context in which the artists and organisations are working.

“We’re now talking about next steps and exploring plans for an artistic exchange programme in autumn 2025, in which Scottish and Polish dancers will be able to work together.” 

Stanza Poetry Festival Artistic Director Ryan Van Winkle met Manuela Moser from the Cúirt International Festival of Literature from Ireland at Momentum 2023. 

Ryan said: “Initially Manuela and I had some great chats just about being new in our roles and the challenges of directing festivals. We stayed in touch, sharing ideas about poets and writers, and then agreed to partner on a grant application.

“That enabled us to have an extra event at Stanza last year, in collaboration with Cúirt International Festival of Literature, called Companion Planting. An artist and an author visited from Ireland to talk about strategies of support and examined ‘care’ within collaborative artistic working practices.

“This was a perfect fit with Stanza’s theme last year. It’s rare to see a project happen that fast; I felt lucky to encounter Manuela, and get something going so quickly.”  

Edinburgh International Festival announces first Community Connections Hub

eif.co.uk / @edintfest  

• The Edinburgh International Festival unveils the first Community Connections Hub following an  open call out earlier this year 

• Space @ The Broomhouse Hub will work with the Edinburgh International Festival over a period of  at least 18 months to explore opportunities for collaboration and connection 

• In August, the Community Connections Hub will host a free VR Experience where visitors can use a  VR headset to be fully immersed in a 360° concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra 

The Edinburgh International Festival today announces Space @  The Broomhouse Hub as the very first Community Connections Hub.

Space @ The Broomhouse Hub  was chosen following an open call out by the International Festival for an Edinburgh-based community organisation for a partnership that will last at least 18 months and will explore opportunities for collaboration  with the International Festival and the local community in Broomhouse. 

In August, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub will host a free VR experience from resident orchestra  Philharmonia. This 360° experience of Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending makes its UK premiere  and features Festival Director Nicola Benedetti as the solo violinist.

This will allow the user to sit right in the heart of the orchestra through Virtual Reality, allowing them to experience the performance in  astonishing detail.  

As well as hosting the Philharmonia VR Experience, this partnership will be a fully collaborative process, and will be entirely shaped by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub and the International Festival’s shared ideas  and activities. 

This new residency model is designed to deepen understanding between the International Festival and the  local community, strengthen connections and enrich the local community and the spirit of the Festival. 

The Edinburgh International Festival is committed to developing long-term connections with Edinburgh’s Communities by exploring what our core values of discovery and connection mean for Edinburgh’s citizens whilst finding ways to reflect the ideas, ambitions and creative interests of different communities within our organisational commitments.

The International Festival wants to build long-term and sustainable  connections and have chosen a residency model working with one focused partner to allow for deepening  two-way understanding, allowing time to mature connections and realisation of joint ambitions. 

Caroline Donald, Head of Discovery & Participation, Edinburgh International Festival said: “The Edinburgh International Festival are really looking forward to working with our new community  partners Space @the Broomhouse Hub and working together to make new connections, getting to know all  the families and people in the community to create and share cultural experiences.” 

Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, said: “This is fantastic news for Broomhouse and Southwest Edinburgh. This partnership will open up the  Edinburgh International Festival to new audiences, allowing local people and families to enjoy cultural  experiences our communities don’t normally access.

“We look forward to seeing all the exciting things the  partnership will bring this summer and the coming year.” 

More information on the Edinburgh International Festival’s Discovery and Participation programme, which runs year-round, can be found here:

https://www.eif.co.uk/social-impact.