Summit Special Edition 2020

The Transformational Power of Culture

When the global impact of decades of economic and social behaviour is being so abruptly overturned, the 2020 Special Edition of the Edinburgh International Culture Summit considered how imaginative perspectives, creative endeavours and cultural experiences can help sustain us and take us beyond our current predicament.

Begin with the Welcome and Introduction to the Summit which brings together in a succinct format, an overview of the different components of the Special Edition.

Delve into the page below where Summit Themes on Culture and Education; Culture and Social Cohesion and Culture in Vibrant Communities

Here you will find films focusing in on the Summit Themes of Culture and Education; Culture and Social Cohesion and Culture in Vibrant Communities, which examine more deeply these areas of focus interlaced with digital performances.

Watch the Special Messages prepared by artists, colleagues and Ministers of Culture.

Explore our Contributors, where you can hear from each speaker in greater depth.

And immerse yourself in the full range of digital Performances assembled and recorded for this Special Edition.

 

Culture in Vibrant Communities

As people across the world shelter in private, we begin to lose touch with the physical structures and markers of everyday life. What are the places we miss and what are the policies, funds, and ideas required to sustain them? This theme examines our understanding and organising of cultural and urban space, looking to the future of cities and how environmental and social factors impact their design. Contributors consider a holistic approach to architecture and urban planning, and reflect on the post-pandemic power of galleries, museums, performing arts centres, and libraries to rebuild trust and preserve cultures.

All contributors have recorded more in-depth interviews which can be found on the profile page. Or click on their name to the right of the film.

(35:39)

Please select subtitles to turn on English, Chinese or Spanish captions.

BSL interpreted version.

Culture and Education

As governments and educational institutions grapple with how to adapt to a new reality, what might the future of education be like? This theme presents a growing body of economic, social and scientific research about how culturally rich experiences from early childhood can enhance skills such as empathy, language, memory, and creativity. Contributors come together in performance and dialogue, investigating how education systems and arts organisations can work together to unlock and invest in human potential.

All contributors have recorded more in-depth interviews which can be found on the profile page. Or click on their name to the right of the film.

(30:55)

Please select subtitles to turn on English, Chinese or Spanish captions.

BSL interpreted version.

Culture and Social Cohesion

At a time of physical distance, how can art provide connection and inspire hope? This theme reflects on the power of art in times of crisis and the role of a trusted culture sector in reimagining the future. The universal nature of this pandemic reminds us of our similarities while simultaneously exposing global inequalities. Engaging artists and human rights specialists dedicated to tackling displacement and prejudice, this theme focuses on the importance of international cooperation to nurture greater cultural understanding and resilience.

All contributors have recorded more in-depth interviews which can be found on the profile page. Or click on their name to the right of the film.

(30:12)

Please select subtitles to turn on English, Chinese or Spanish captions.

BSL interpreted version.

Special Messages

Special Messages from Ministers of Culture

The Summit would like to express its thanks to the offices of the Ministers for arranging and producing the films as Special Messages to the Summit.

The Edinburgh International Culture Summit gathers together speakers, artists and policy makers from around the world and from across political and ideological spectrums. Our intention is to create a space for dialogue and discussion; all views represented are the speakers own and not necessarily endorsed by the Summit Foundation or its partners. For further information on the Edinburgh International Culture Summit please see our About page.

Support for the Special Edition