Our mission is to be the most exciting, innovative and accessible Festival of the performing arts in the world, and thus promote the cultural, educational and economic well-being of the people of Edinburgh and Scotland. We do this by:

• Presenting arts of the highest possible international standard to the widest possible audience
• Reflecting international culture to audiences from Scotland, the rest of the UK and the world
• Offering an international showcase for Scottish culture
• Presenting events which cannot easily be achieved by any other UK arts organisation through innovative programming and a commitment to new work
• Actively ensuring equal opportunities for all sections of the Scottish and wider public to experience and enjoy the Festival
• Encouraging public participation in the arts throughout the year by collaborating with other arts and festival organisations
• Ensuring the Festival has adequate core funding to fulfil its mission and address its sustainability

The Edinburgh International Festival is a member of the European Festivals Association, the umbrella organisation for arts festivals in Europe and beyond and works with Edinburgh's other arts festivals as part of Festivals Edinburgh.