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

In May 2024 we launched our Community Connections Hub partnership with Space @ The Broomhouse Hub in Edinburgh.

Our partnership spans 18 months to explore opportunities for collaboration and connection. We will examine what our core values of discovery and connection mean for Edinburgh whilst finding ways to reflect the ideas, ambitions and creative interests of communities.

Working in partnership within a residency model provides a deeper two-way understanding. It allows time to mature connections and realise joint ambitions to enrich the local community.

Philharmonia Virtual Reality Experience

In August 2024, our Community Connections Hub hosted a VR experience, to welcome people to experience an orchestra for the first time through an innovative experience accessible to all. The Virtual Reality (VR) experience transports the wearer to an immersive performance of Nicola Benedetti performing The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

This experience was open to families, community members, general public and schools for one week leading into and connecting with the Family Concert, where Nicola Benedetti performed The Lark Ascending on stage at Usher Hall.

At the Community Connections Hub, members of the Philharmonia Orchestra also performed a pop-up concert.

NHS Festival Fridays

We are working with Tonic Arts (Lothian Health Arts Trust) to create a series of monthly world class performances in NHS Lothian settings. NHS Festival Fridays brings exciting Edinburgh International Festival artists into NHS Lothian spaces, creating curated moments of musical and creative connections.

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 travel together to one of our venues to share a performance and cultural experience. These events provide an opportunity to talk, discuss or debate, often with invited international or local speakers.

Healing Arts Scotland

In August 2024 we hosted 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.

Find out more at healingartsscotland.org.

Previous Project Highlights

Curious to learn more or interested in working with us? Speak to Caroline Donald, Head of Discovery and Participation, by emailing [email protected].