Special Reports 18

Credit: Eoin Carey

Credit: Gaelle Beri

Credit: Gaelle Beri

This spirit of international cultural collaboration has only continued to grow. In 2019 we welcomed over 2,800 artists from 41 different countries, putting on 293 performances of world-class music, theatre and dance in Edinburgh. This international spirit was also reflected in the audiences who attended these performances, travelling to the Festival from 83 different countries.

During the first year of the pandemic, the Festival and the arts in general fell upon uncertain times once more. With the travel ban in place, we felt that the idea of connecting international cultures through art became more important than ever. In 2020, through the My Light Shines On digital programme, we managed to bring together a global audience of over 1,013,000 on what would have been the opening weekend of the Festival. Viewers were drawn from 47 countries around the world.

For three quarters of a century the Festival has explored the familiar and the unfamiliar. It has introduced audiences to different cultures, languages, musical styles, and ways

Credit: Norward Inglis

of thinking. At the same time, it has celebrated artists who reach beyond their points of reference to collaborate with their colleagues and peers throughout the world. It also offers a platform for some of Scotland and the UK’s best-loved actors, musicians, and dancers, often in inspired international collaborations and co-productions.

To go back to the words of Sir John Falconer in 1947, only time will tell if 2022 becomes another focal point in the history of Edinburgh. However, as all of us involved in the Festival prepare to once again welcome international visitors to celebrate 75 years of bringing world cultures together, I believe that this renewed sense of internationalism and collaboration looks set to create an incredibly special year indeed.

Credit: Paul Shillabeer