07.03.2012
The Scottish Parliament has confirmed it will welcome the Edinburgh International Culture Summit in August, with early responses indicating very positive interest in the event.
The Summit, taking place on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 August, will debate the power and profile of culture in forging and fostering international relationships.
The Summit is the result of collaboration between the Scottish Government, the UK Government, the Edinburgh International Festival and the British Council. It will bring together culture ministers with prominent artists, thinkers and others involved in developing and implementing cultural policy.
The two-day programme will include sessions in Holyrood’s debating chamber, chaired by the Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick MSP.
Speaking about the Summit, the Presiding Officer said: “The Scottish Parliament sits as a cultural icon in its own right, and plays an important role in promoting and supporting culture both through the parliamentary process and our engagement programme.
“It is a fitting venue for ministers from across the world to gather, so that we can explore the unique role that arts and culture play in connecting nations and building bridges.
"I will be delighted to welcome culture ministers from across the world to the Parliament and Scotland.”
The conference theme will be 'Culture as an International Dialogue'.
The programme is being devised around three strategic strands:
- the role of the arts and culture in deepening and broadening our understanding of the complex relationships between cultures and nations
- sustaining private and public support for culture
- future skills for the creative industries and the role of technology.
The Culture Summit will take place just as the Olympic Games end and during the world-renowned Edinburgh Festivals.