Historic Agreement Between Edinburgh and Adelaide Festivals

Today (August 16, 2016) in Edinburgh the Adelaide Festival signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Edinburgh International Festival formalising relationships and setting out joint goals for artistic, business and community collaboration over the next three years.

Rachel Healy, Co-Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival said, "The Memorandum of Understanding between the Adelaide Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival is a watershed for both organisations.

“It is thrilling to contemplate a shared future which involves creative collaborations, commissions, and artistic exchange; opportunities to share market insights and new audience and business initiatives; and celebrating the commitment of audiences in both cities to a rich and diverse cultural life."

“It’s great to be working with Edinburgh International Festival’s director and Chief Executive Fergus Linehan and his excellent team and to be part of celebrating Adelaide's broader relationship with Edinburgh,” said Rachel.

Arts Minister Jack Snelling joined representatives from Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe and Festivals Adelaide as each signed official agreements with their Edinburgh counterparts.

Under the agreements, each organisation has committed to strengthen cultural ties between Adelaide – Australia’s best festival city and Edinburgh, the world’s biggest festival city.

"This is a huge step forward in the relationship between Edinburgh and Adelaide - the world's leading festival cities,” said Minister Snelling.

"The economic benefit for both cities can't be disputed. This is a historic moment," he said.

Judy Potter, Chair, Adelaide Festival said, “The signing today of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Edinburgh International Festival is a momentous step for our International Arts Festival. It will develop and promote collaboration with Edinburgh in key areas including creative, marketing, business and community leading to increased artistic exchange and global recognition of our great festival.”