New Zealand artists to head to this year’s Edinburgh Festival

Through an exciting partnership between the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific and Creative New Zealand, the Edinburgh Festivals Intensive programme has been reignited. This opportunity supports New Zealand artists to experience the Edinburgh festivals and this will be the first time a New Zealand delegation of artists has travelled to Edinburgh since pre-Covid-19. 

Seventeen New Zealand artists have received funding to attend the Edinburgh festivals and develop their international profile. This includes dancer Amit Noy, film artist Stella Reid, actress and writer Karin McCracken, performance artist Julia Croft, artist Joel Baxendale, performer Cian Parker and artist Eddie Elliott.

They will be attending the 2023 Edinburgh Art, Book and Fringe Festivals with a combination of first timers (teina artists) alongside seasoned practitioners who have travelled to Edinburgh before (tuakana artists). The programme is bringing together a group of performing, visual and literary artists to soak-up the world-class experience of Edinburgh’s festivals.

The Edinburgh Festivals Intensive programme provides artists with a chance to experience the festivals first-hand, build networks and understand what’s required to perform at Edinburgh – the programme is about learning and gathering experience and that could enable artists to go and perform or exhibit at the festivals in the future. 

Natasha Beckman, Director of the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, says the return to Edinburgh is so important to help restore relationships after the pandemic. “We’re thrilled to announce the 17 New Zealand artists that will be able to soak up all that Edinburgh’s festivals offer. Our work is to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide, and to create reciprocal opportunities that are rewarding” says Beckman.

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Delegates