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Festivals

Scottish Government Invests £300,000 in Edinburgh International Book Festival's Schools Programme

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is set to continue providing free literary events to over 5,000 schoolchildren in the next three years, thanks to a £300,000 grant from the Scottish Government. As part of a record £34 million increase in Scotland's Culture budget for 2025-26, the funding will support the festival's acclaimed schools programme with more than 60 in-person and livestreamed events. The grant will also maintain travel cost support and free tickets for pupils whose families are unable to cover the cost of ticketed events, ensuring young people of all backgrounds across Edinburgh have an opportunity to participate in the internationally renowned festival. This investment comes as part of the government's commitment to invest an additional £100 million annually in the arts and culture by 2028-29.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Government has invested £300,000 in the Edinburgh International Book Festival's schools programme over the next three years.
  • The funding will support more than 60 in-person and livestreamed events for over 5,000 schoolchildren.
  • The grant will maintain travel cost support and free tickets for pupils from low-income families, ensuring equal access to the festival.
  • The festival will provide free books to children attending the events, thanks to philanthropic donations.
  • Creative Scotland has awarded the Edinburgh International Book Festival £1,880,000 in public multi-year funding for the next three years, more than doubling previous support.
  • The Scottish Government's increased support for festivals has delivered public funding to develop the schools programme further in the coming years.
  • The festival is committed to widening its reach across Scotland and exploring the digital potential of its work.
  • The Edinburgh International Book Festival's schools programme has been crucial in fostering literacy and cultural engagement among young people.

Statistics:

  • £300,000: The amount invested by the Scottish Government in the Edinburgh International Book Festival's schools programme over the next three years.
  • 5,000: The number of schoolchildren expected to benefit from the festival's events over the next three years.
  • 60: The number of in-person and livestreamed events supported by the grant.
  • £1,880,000: The amount of public multi-year funding awarded by Creative Scotland to the Edinburgh International Book Festival for the next three years.
  • £34 million: The record increase in Scotland's Culture budget for 2025-26, which includes an increase of £4 million for Scottish Festivals.
  • 2028-29: The target year for the government's commitment to invest an additional £100 million annually in the arts and culture.

Sources:

  • "Scottish Government Invests £300,000 in Edinburgh International Book Festival's Schools Programme" (Scottish Government)
  • "Edinburgh International Book Festival Schools Programme" (Edinburgh International Book Festival)
  • "Multi-Year Funding Outcome Announcement" (Creative Scotland)

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