Edinburgh welcomes the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
This April, Edinburgh - the world’s foremost festival city, will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.
Article Source: European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
Last Updated: 15 April 2025 15:09
World’s Leading Festivals to gather in Edinburgh for European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
From 27-30 April 2025, more than 200 festival directors, pioneering artists, and cultural leaders will assemble at The Hub – the iconic home of the Edinburgh International Festival, the original festival that sparked Edinburgh’s legacy as the festival city, 78 years ago. Over four days of provocative dialogue, vital networking, and groundbreaking collaboration, the Summit will delve into the transformative power of festivals, examining how they drive innovation, ignite creativity, and forge unbreakable bonds between culture, cities, and communities worldwide.
Festivals are central to Edinburgh’s identity and success, drawing millions of visitors each year, generating substantial economic benefit, and enriching lives through access to world-class art and performance. Hosted by the European Festivals Association (EFA), the Edinburgh International Festival, Festivals Edinburgh, and the City of Edinburgh, the Summit will highlight Edinburgh’s unique position as a global leader in cultural programming, offering delegates the chance to engage with the city’s festivals and cultural organisations.
Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Festival, said: “In Edinburgh, festivals are part of the city’s DNA and are a driving force for creativity and international exchange. Hosting the Arts Festivals Summit at The Hub reflects both the International Festival’s proud legacy in shaping cultural dialogue, but also its role in driving international connection for nearly eight decades. As we come together to share ideas, navigate common challenges, and explore new possibilities, we reaffirm the power of festivals not only as stages for artistic excellence, but as essential spaces for understanding, empathy, and collaboration across borders.”
The Summit will spotlight the transformative power of festivals, underscoring the substantial economic, social, and cultural value that festivals contribute to Edinburgh and to countries throughout Europe, and shaping strategies to ensure festivals remain vital forces for societal good.
The Summit’s dynamic programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops exploring the evolving role of arts and festivals in shaping cities.
Speakers lined up include author and social philosopher, Roman Krznaric; independent researcher and co-founder of think tank Culture Policy Room, Elena Polivtseva; CEO of International Society for the Performing Arts based in New York, David Baile; Director of Performing Arts at the Academy of Arts in Berlin, Nele Hertling; Head of the Arts for the Rural Development Foundation in Hungary, Natália Oszkó-Jakab; and Project Director of European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), Donika Rudi among many others.
Sessions will address key issues such as sustainability, accessibility, and artistic freedom while also examining the relationship between festivals and emerging artists. Looking ahead, the programme will invite participants to consider the future of festivals in an ever-changing global landscape, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the cultural sector.
"To be with 200 festival makers from all over the world together in Edinburgh, the festival city of Europe, for 4 days, is a great opportunity for everyone to learn, connect, and plan projects." commented Jan Briers, President of EFA.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted Edinburgh is hosting this year's European Arts Festivals Summit – it’s a fantastic opportunity for festival makers to get together and discuss all the key issues we all face. As the world's Festival City, Edinburgh exemplifies how festivals can unite communities, inspire creativity, and drive social change. This summit celebrates our city's cultural leadership and the transformative power of the arts.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies
This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh
Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse
Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.
READ MORE
East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.
READ MORE
Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.
READ MORE
EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films
Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Houstoun House recognised as one of the top hotels in UK by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards
Houstoun House in West Lothian has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests.
READ MORE
Paint the town pink this summer
Edinburgh’s first ‘Rosé Wine Trail’ has been launched across the capital this week as part of a summer-long campaign to celebrate the popular pink tipple.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Bar Awards returns for year two
After a sold-out debut last year, The Edinburgh Bar Awards are back for year two and they’re coming in even stronger.
READ MORE
Stumpy the Lemur makes history at Five Sisters Zoo
One of Five Sisters Zoo’s most beloved residents has achieved worldwide recognition as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity, according to Guinness World Records.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces closing night film of Midnight Madness strand
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 announces UK Premiere of eagerly-awaited cult classic remake THE TOXIC AVENGER as closing night film of year’s Midnight Madness strand.
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Masterclasses to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in June!
READ MORE
Teachers warn new school uniforms are too costly for too many families
With many families in Edinburgh finding the cost of purchasing a new school uniform completely unaffordable, The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange.
READ MORE
Young Carers enjoy a break this Carers Week at Edinburgh Zoo
Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 12th June, thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the RZSS.
READ MORE
Filmhouse cinema announces opening programme
Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse will re-open its doors with a hand-picked programme of the very best films the cinema missed out on playing during its closure.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.
READ MORE
Quebec EdFests showcase presents an exciting and varied programme
Québec’s annual Edinburgh Festivals showcase once again brings the best of circus, comedy, dance and music to the world’s biggest celebration of performing arts in 2025.
READ MORE
Raise the steaks for dad
A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh introduces The 9pm Club
This summer, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is inviting the city to stay out late with the launch of The 9pm Club, a brand-new summer initiative.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces Repair as theme for 2025 programme
Repair is the Book Festival’s core theme for 2025, seeking to explore the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them.
READ MORE
Triple B announces Five Million Refurbishment for OMNi Centre in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, Omni Centre, has announced a £5 million refurbishment and works are set to begin in June 2025.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links