First culture summit hailed as a success by participants

ORGANISERS of the maiden Edinburgh International Culture Summit have hailed the event a resounding success after it drew to a close.

Top politicians including Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop and UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey as well as Jonathan Mills, director of the Edinburgh International Festival, praised the quality of the two-day event, hosted in the Scottish Parliament.

Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “The lively debates and fascinating discussions of the past two days have demonstrated that culture is a hugely powerful means of international dialogue, one that enriches the lives of people around the world and contributes to the wellbeing of nations.

“This inaugural Edinburgh International Culture Summit has enhanced Scotland’s reputation as one of the world’s most creative nations and a good global citizen.

“I very much hope there will be another event of this kind in Edinburgh in the near future, possibly in 2014.”