Industry Connections
Social ImpactIndustry Connections
The International Festival is the place where the arts leaders of tomorrow can gather and flourish.
Through mentorship led by world-renowned artists and career-defining performance opportunities, we foster a mutually supportive environment to nurture emerging talent – both on and off stage.
Our work in Industry Connections covers three pathways: Emerging Talent, Established Talent and Educators
Emerging Talent
Through mentorship and performance opportunities, we create a supportive environment for emerging talent to become the next generation of arts leaders – both on and off the stage. The Emerging Talent strand is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists.
Established Talent
We create opportunities for established Scottish artists and arts professionals to connect with one another, and their international counterparts, at networking events and workshops to share practice.
Educators
We believe to be inspiring, you need to be inspired. We create opportunities for teachers and educators to connect with the festival and the artists we present. We have run CPD workshops, talks, and hosted networking events for teachers and have more in the planning stages for 2025 and beyond.
Previous Project Highlights
Imaginate Partnership 2023: Dimanche
In 2023, in partnership with Imaginate and Puppet Animation Scotland, we offered Scotland-based artists who work in visual and physical theatre and/or make work for children and young people an exciting opportunity.
They came together to attend a performance of Dimanche ( Focus Company / Chaliwaté Company) which featured two award-winning Belgian mime and puppetry companies coming together for a stunning performance combining puppetry, video, mime and clowning.
Following this performance, the Scotland-based artists participated in a practice-enriching workshop with the company.
Global Conversations 2024: Hamlet
In 2024, we provided a space for ten disabled creatives working in the performing arts to learn, rest and connect. Highlights include:
- A presentation from Chela De Ferrari – the creator of Teatro La Plaza’s striking new version of Hamlet, starring a cast of performers with Down’s syndrome
- A ticket to a matinee performance of Hamlet
- An open-ended, low-pressure discussion.
This opportunity was for Scotland-based arts workers who identify as disabled, co-create with disabled individuals, or work for disabled-led organisations.
