UK Prime Minister and Scotland’s First Minister Open Edinburgh International Culture Summit

• 44 Ministerial and Cultural Policy delegations arrive at the Edinburgh International Culture Summit including from the USA, Singapore, Rwanda, New Zealand, Brazil, France, Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine.
• Over 80 artists, influencers, practitioners and researchers from countries including Denmark, South Africa, China, Romania, India and Italy.
• Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Prime Minister of the UK, Theresa May MP (via video) address the opening session.

Culture Ministers, speakers and artists from around the world have arrived at the fourth Edinburgh International Culture Summit, held during one of the world's greatest cultural events, Edinburgh's summer Festivals.

     (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/734254/Edinburgh_International_Culture_Summit_2018.jpg )

Now in its 4^th edition this year the Summit addresses three key areas; Culture in a Networked World, Culture and Investment and Culture and Wellbeing.

Summit 2018 gives Ministers and senior policy-makers the opportunity to work in collaboration with artists and practitioners and share global best-practice to develop effective policies and a lasting impact.

The Edinburgh International Culture Summit is a collaboration between the British Council, Edinburgh International Festival, Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government and UK Government.

Scotland's First Minister The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP said: "I'm delighted that this year, more than 150 artists, policy-makers, producers and thinkers - from over 40 countries - are taking part. Their presence here speaks to our shared belief that culture is of central importance to any society.  It also demonstrates our shared commitment to improve the way we support, develop and promote our cultural sectors."

Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Theresa May MP said: "It is fitting that this city plays host to the world's largest gathering of Culture Ministers. This Summit is an incredible opportunity for everyone here to share their experience and to look at policy ideas and interventions."

Speakers from countries including Denmark, South Africa, China, Romania, India, Italy and USA will contribute to the Summit including Joshua Ramo, Kissinger Associates, Pu Cunxin, China Theatre Association, Wesley Enoch, Sydney Festival, Fairouz Nishanova, Aga Khan Music Initiative, Ong Keng Sen, TheatreWorks Singapore, Dr Maria Balshaw Tate Art Museums, Eng Ahmad Al-Maziad, General Culture Authority of Saudi Arabia, Prof Richard Sennett, Theatrum Mundi, Elizabeth Diller Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Prince Totto Théogène Niwenshuti, multidisciplinary artist from South Africa, and Dr Assal Habibi, Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California.

Media contact: Susie Gray, Susie@thecornershoppr.com, +44(0)7834-073-795