In 1947 the British Council was a founding partner of the first ever Edinburgh International Festival. 70 years on we're reigniting the Spirit of '47.
"Art connects us"
The first Edinburgh International Festival was created through a shared belief in the power of the arts and culture to change the world, and to act as a beacon of hope and reconciliation in a divided continent.
70 years on, in a fast-changing world, the British Council is teaming up with Edinburgh International Festival to mark this founding partnership and celebrate international cultural collaboration in an electrifying 10-day programme of performance and discussion.
Artists from Scotland, England, USA, Ukraine, Lebanon, Cuba, China, Jamaica, Palestine, Chile, Argentina, Syria, Portugal, Germany, Iran, Pakistan and many more will come together in Edinburgh from 6 – 16 August to reignite the Spirit of '47.
Theatre highlights include Minefield by Argentinian actor and director Lola Arias, emerging Iranian dramatist Azade Shahmiri's Voicelessness, and a series of brand new plays by Royal Court International Playwrights.
Voicelessness. Photograph: Roberta Cacciaglia
In collaboration with BBC Arts Digital, highlights of the programme will also be available live and on demand for a global audience online.
To view the full programme and book tickets, visit the Edinburgh International Festival website.
For updates follow #Spiritof47
