Edinburgh Cities of Literature Conference 2024 Programme
Keira Brown
Communications
Edinburgh City of Literature Trust
12 September 2024
Celebrating our 20th anniversary of the Cities of Literature network with a full programme
We welcome you to Edinburgh for the Cities of Literature Conference in 2024, which will celebrate Edinburgh’s 20-year anniversary of being the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. In 2004, Edinburgh successfully bid to become the first UNESCO City of Literature and simultaneously a Creative City. There are now 52 other designated Cities of Literature from 39 countries across the globe, and 350 Creative Cities from 100 countries in the wider network of seven artforms.
Celebrating twenty years since the creation of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network when Edinburgh received its designation as the very first UNESCO City of Literature, over 60 representatives from Cities of Literature from across our global network will come to Edinburgh in October 2024 for a four-day conference to mark the achievements of the past two decades and plan for the next two.
Our international activity has grown year on year, with the expansion of our network, bringing writers and literature professionals opportunities to share their work internationally and develop their creative practice. We will use the opportunity of hosting the UNESCO City of Literature conference to build new international programmes for Scottish writers, share best practice, develop new collaborative projects in the capital.
Our charity created the UNESCO City of Literature designation, secured it for the city in 2004 and each year we work to maintain it. We have used it to grow an international network of 53 Cities of Literature in 39 countries, and through them we bring opportunities to writers to work internationally. Locally, we have created a wide range of projects to connect readers and writers to Edinburgh as an amazing literary, and champion Edinburgh as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
This October we are very excited to invite the other Cities of Literature to Edinburgh for a full and rich week's programme of presentation and events. To download a pdf of the full programme, including practical information about the venues, travel and Edinburgh, click here.
Monday 21st October 2024
18:30-19:30
A Wee Gaitherin: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, our home for the week, for a warm welcome and a toast to the start of our time together.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
20:00-21:15
The Desperate Battle of the Birds: Scottish Storytelling Centre:
Scottish storyteller James MacDonald Reid and Scottish-Korean musician Ryan Williams present a classic Gaelic folk tale, blending tradition with innovation. A story originally learned in his youth, James shares it as he heard it in the traditional manner, while Ryan responds by intertwining original pieces composed on live electric cello. An exciting new collaboration of styles! Performed in English, with Gaelic throughout.
NOTE: This public event is part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and is not part of our core programme. Delegates who wish to attend should book a ticket online or in person at the SSE Box Office.Tuesday 22nd October 2024
9:00-12:00
Network Agenda: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Today’s agenda will include a welcome, some governance updates, and a discussion of the Community Agreement.
12:00-13:30
Traditional Scottish LUNCH and Performance: Scottish Storytelling Centre:
Enjoy a hearty traditional Scottish lunch of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (v/vg options available) plus musical performances from acclaimed piper Finn Moore and West Coast storyteller Shona Cowie.
14:00-16:00
Literature Community Meet and Greet: Scottish Storytelling Centre
A chance to meet Edinburgh’s literature community with representatives from organisations including the Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Poetry Library, Publishing Scotland, Edinburgh Writers’ Forum, and the Gaelic Books Council. Mingle and chat with our guests upstairs or drop into some short presentations in the Netherbow Theatre.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
17:00-18:00
Oot o the Book: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Stories leap from the page to the tongue in celebration of 20 years of Edinburgh as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Drawing from books written by collectors of oral tradition, Ruth Kirkpatrick shares a prime selection of tales that have appealed to her Scottish storytelling heart. With musical accompaniment from accordion and whistle player Leo McCann.
NOTE: This event is part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and we have a limited number of complimentary tickets. Delegates who wish to attend MUST email jess@cityofliterature.com to reserve a space by Friday 4th October 2024.
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
9:00-11:00
Network Agenda: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Today’s agenda will include a keynote speech from former Gavin Wallace fellow Mary Paulson-Ellis on ‘Being a Writer in a City of Literature’, and a chance to reflect on the successes of the first 20 years of the network.
11:00-17:30
TRIP TO ABBOTSFORD HOUSE: Home of Sir Walter Scott
Join us for an outing to Abbotsford House in the Scottish Borders, former home of the eminent Sir Walter Scott, where we’ll enjoy lunch, a tour of the house and gardens, and see some of their special exhibitions. We’ll be travelling by train (approx. 1 hour) followed by a 5-minute coach journey, leaving the Scottish Storytelling Centre at 11am and walking to Edinburgh Waverley station as a group.
(Arrival: 13:00 LUNCH, Tour and Exhibition - delegates will be divided into three separate groups to enjoy these activities in rotation Departure: 16:00 Arrival back to Edinburgh Waverley: 17:30)18:30-20:00
A Reception with the Lord Provost: Edinburgh City Chambers
A formal reception to celebrate 20 years of Edinburgh as the first UNESCO City of Literature, including a speech from the Lord Provost and a short talk by former Gavin Wallace fellow, Mary Paulson-Ellis.
Thursday 24th October 2024
9:00-11:30
Network Agenda: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Today’s agenda will include a short talk from Denise Bax, Secretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, a keynote presentation from the Super Power Agency on ‘Future Citizens of Cities of Literature’, and a discussion on horizon scanning for the next 20 years.
12:00-14:00
LUNCH, Tour and Exhibition: National Library of Scotland
Celebrating its centenary year in 2024, the National Library of Scotland is a treasure trove of information, home to 24 million printed items, around 100,000 manuscripts and more than two million maps. We’ll enjoy lunch, a tour, and a chance to visit the library’s centenary exhibition.
14:30-16:30
Future Tense with Edinburgh International Book Festival and Utopia Lab: Edinburgh Futures Institute
Join Edinburgh International Book Festival in their new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute, for a discussion around literary festivals and their role as part of a City of Literature. We’ll also take part in a Utopia Lab with Jennifer Williams, Creative Projects Manager at Edinburgh Futures Institute, who invites us to imagine what our cities might look like in the next 20, or even 200 years.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
17:00-19:00
Literary Afternoon Tea: Sheraton Grand Hotel
A special invitation to attend a literary afternoon tea at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, featuring courses inspired by some of Edinburgh’s most famous writers, and attended by a number of contemporary Edinburgh writers, including Ian Rankin and Val McDermid.
NOTE: This is an optional activity part-funded by Edinburgh City of Literature but requiring a supplement of £15 per delegate which is payable to the hotel on attendance. You MUST register your attendance by emailing jess@cityofliterature.com by Friday 4th October 2024.
Friday 25th October 2024
09:00-11:00
Network Agenda: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Take part in roundtables and discussions with other delegates from the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network. Today’s agenda will include a session on Creative Placemaking with invited guests, and a chance to think ahead to 2025.
12:00-14:00
LUNCH, Book Presentation and War Poets’ Exhibition: Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus
Set in beautiful grounds, Edinburgh Napier’s Craiglockhart Campus was the former hospital where poets Wilfred Own and Siegfried Sassoon met in 1917. As well as enjoying lunch and a tour of the War Poets’ Collection, we’ll also use this opportunity to highlight a book that the University’s publishing students are working on to celebrate Edinburgh’s 20th anniversary as a City of Literature. (Note: We will travel by coach together, leaving the Scottish Storytelling Centre at 11:15.)
15:00-17:00
Academic Symposium Collaboration: Screen Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh
An opportunity to gather with delegates from the Academic Cities of Literature Symposium to hear about collaborative projects between university institutions and city delegations and explore ideas for future initiatives in your own city.
18:30-20:00
The Making Moment hosted by Michael Pedersen: Gordon Aikman Theatre, 32 George Square, University of Edinburgh
Celebrate the end of the week by attending a creative showcase hosted by University of Edinburgh Writer in Residence and new Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen, and featuring an international line-up of writing talent including UK poet Hollie McNish, Bremen-based Sadaf Zahedi, and Dublin musician and writer Conor O’Brien (Villagers).
NOTE: Tickets for delegates have already been reserved. However, we would like to release any unused tickets so if you don’t plan to attend this event please email edinburgh@cityofliterature.com by Friday 4th October 2024.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Travel
Airport: Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh EH12 9DN (approximately 8 miles from the city centre)
How to get from the Airport to the Centre:
Tram: Trams are one of the easiest ways to get to and from the airport with fast and frequent services to Edinburgh city centre and onwards to Newhaven. Trams depart every 7 minutes, between 7am and 7pm, and every 10 minutes early in the morning and later in the evening. The first tram of the day departs the airport at 06:26, and the last tram departs at 22:48.
Bus: The Airlink bus (service 100) runs between the airport and the city centre, reaching Waverley Bridge railway station in 25 minutes. A single adult ticket costs £4.50 and an open return is £7.50. The route to and from the airport runs 24 hours a day every 10 minutes approximately.
Taxi: A taxi can be a good option for passengers staying near the airport or for a large group. The black taxis (cabs) in Edinburgh accept up to 5 passengers. Fare rates and charges are set by the City of Edinburgh Council and are consistent for firms who operate at the airport. You can check out the City of Edinburgh Council's fare table, and further information on charges, here. If you are taking a journey outside the City of Edinburgh Council area, you will be quoted the exact fare.
Travelling Around Edinburgh:
Edinburgh is a relatively small city and many of the central sights and locations are walkable, however Lothian Buses also provide a comprehensive public transport network, with many routes throughout the city and beyond. A single journey is £2 (payable by card/contactless on embarking the bus); a day ticket is £5, however if you’re using contactless the amount taken from your card will cap automatically at £4.80 per day. Find out more about Lothian Buses and see the network map here.
Money
The currency in Scotland is the British Pound Sterling (£). The vast majority of commercial outlets take card and contactless payments so cash is not required however it might be useful to carry a small amount with you. Taxes are typically included in the prices on menus and in shops etc. Service charge is sometimes included on restaurant bills, but oftentimes it is up to you if you wish to add it to your bill. Cash machines and currency exchange facilities are both readily available in the city.
Emergencies
999 or 112 is used to contact the emergency services upon witnessing or being involved in an emergency. In the United Kingdom, the numbers 999 and 112 both connect to the same service, and there is no priority or charge for either of them. More information here.
EDINBURGH CITY OF LITERATURE CONTACTS:
Jess Orr: jess@cityofliterature.com; (+44)7842923711
Keira Brown: keira@cityofliterature.com; (+44)7903083455
Weather
Weather in Scotland is known to be changeable, and in October we can expect temperatures to range from anything between around 5 - 15°C. Winds and rain are possible, if not likely, so do bring waterproof clothing and warm layers. You can check the up to date forecast here.
For information on what our literary city has to offer, check out our list of independent bookshops, or literary tours in Edinburgh. Alternatively download the Conference programme, which has a list of events beyond the programme as well as information about the city and the venues.
CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
Thank you to:
The Abbotsford Trust
British Council
The City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Futures Institute
Goethe-Institut
Hawthornden Foundation
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
National Library of Scotland
Charles and Ruth Plowden
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Super Power Agency
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh City Libraries
Dr. Chris Wang
