In 2005, AEA was commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council to undertake an analysis of the competitive threats facing the Edinburgh Festivals as one of the pre-eminent cultural festivals in the world, and to recommend what would be required for it to remain the frontrunner in an increasingly competitive international festival marketplace.

In conjunction with a large planning team that comprised representatives of the festival, government and funding community, AEA worked up case studies, selecting eight international festival cities that appeared to pose the greatest threat to Edinburgh’s market position. We then conducted a two-part scenario planning workshop with a select group of Edinburgh’s cultural leaders that explored possible impacts that economic, environmental, commercial and global cultural trends might have on the Festivals; and advised on a risk mitigation strategy.

For more information please read our final report, "Thundering Hooves Maintaining the Global Competitive Edge of Edinburgh’s Festivals."

Back