The director of the Edinburgh International Festival has presided over an extremely successful event. Ticket sales hit a record £2.6 million and the programme won praise for its powerful Artists Without Borders theme.
Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray was the biggest-selling dance event in the Festival's history. Will next year's Festival feature something "mainstream" audiences can relate to?This year we also had Mortal Engine, a laser dance show w
hich stunned a lot of young audiences, and Giselle, which brought massive audiences to the Playhouse.
Critics say the Festival is too expensive for people on low incomes. How can you attract wider audiences?Last year we started a scheme called Sharing the Festival which this week sees our production of Class Enemy by East West Centre Sarajevo tour to Stirling and Cumbernauld.
Black Watch is touring worldwide. Is there scope for taking a Festival production on the road?Most often we work with production companies who may open in Edinburgh, or present their UK premiere at the Festival, but go on to play elsewhere internationally.
How healthy and innovative is the Scottish arts scene and what holds it back?A nation is defined by its culture and supporting it helps a people flourish mentally and physically. I think the government is aware of the benefits a strong arts scene can bring.
What does the Festival do outside of August?The Festival works year round in two main areas. One is planning for future Festivals. The other is the work the programme development department undertakes with schools and community groups to increase understanding and access to the arts.
The full article contains 273 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
