Community Connections
Social ImpactCommunity Connections
We seek to share the joy of life-altering art with the individuals who have dedicated their lives to bringing people together. Expanding our programme beyond the stage to connect with community groups and Edinburgh residents is integral to this.
Whether it’s being a part of a celebratory mass participation or pop-up performances across the Festival City, the vibrant communities of Edinburgh are the creative heart of these opportunities. Their collective insight, ideas and ambitions help us shape our overarching vision.
Community Connections Hub
We are delighted to launch our Community Connections Hub partnership in Edinburgh.
The Community Connections Hub will collaborate with the Edinburgh International Festival over a period of at least 18 months to explore opportunities for collaboration and connection. We want to explore 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.
We 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, enriching the local community and the spirit of the Festival.
Culture Clubs: Rituals That Unite Us
Culture Club brings together different communities in a shared meal, sharing the ritual of food, sharing rituals, sharing conversation and even song. Culture Club attendees will then travel together to one of our venues to share a performance and cultural experience. These events could also be an opportunity to hold a talk, discussion or debate, invite speakers from the programme and local community.
NHS Festival Fridays
In 2024, we will work with Tonic Arts (Lothian Health Arts Trust) to create a series of monthly world class performances in NHS Lothian settings. NHS Festival Fridays will bring exciting Edinburgh International Festival artists into NHS Lothian spaces, creating curated moments of musical and creative connections. Our 2024 Festival Fridays programme will commence in May, with details of artists to be announced.
Philharmonia Virtual Reality Experience
The Community Connections Hub will host a VR experience, and welcome local people and those from further afield to come and experience an orchestra for the first time through a unique and innovative experience accessible to all. This will run and be open to families, community members, general public and schools for one week leading into and connecting with the Family Concert.
Healing Arts Scotland
This year, we are hosting the opening celebration of Healing Arts week in collaboration with Scottish Ballet.
Healing Arts Scotland is the world’s first nationwide Healing Arts campaign: a week of celebrating and advocating for improved physical, mental and social health through the arts. Spearheaded by Scottish Ballet and in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and Jameel Arts and Health Lab, these events bring together a national coalition of organisations across culture, science, health, education and government.
