The Festival of Politics

Research demonstrates that participatory art forms empower the artist in everyone and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their families. Join the panel to discuss the science behind the power; the first-hand experience; and how carers and families can benefit.

Join the Presiding Officer in conversation with Scottish actor of stage, screen and television, Jack Lowden.

Join this incredible free performance to mark Healing Arts Scotland’s country-wide, week-long activation, celebrating and advocating for improved physical, mental and social health through the arts.

Join the Presiding Officer in conversation with Benedetta Tagliabue, architect, partner and widow of the visionary creative Enric Miralles, who designed the Scottish Parliament building. (BSL interpreted)

Social isolation impacts all generations, but new intergenerational communities across Scotland are creating spaces and opportunities for people of all ages to, live, work and play together. Hear about the benefits of social cohesion and the role of the arts in bridging social divides, building trust, combatting ageism and inequality.

While politicians aim to regulate AI, it’s a few big tech companies in the driving seat. How do we balance factoring in accountability and public deliberation on ethical AI and simultaneously regulate without stifling innovation? And who can ensure democratic global buy-in on international regulations?

Health inequalities mean that people living with social, economic or physical disadvantages are more likely to experience ill-health and die earlier. The panel will discuss the right to health, barriers, and access to health services as they impact race, prison population, poverty and the role data plays in tackling health inequalities.

Join the panel to hear more about the inspiration, the drama and the behind-the-scenes stories of a Parliament, the main masterpiece of Enric Miralles and his Barcelona studio, that is intended to be viewed as ‘growing out of the land’. (BSL interpreted)

Amidst rising demand, local governments are ringing the emergency finance bell. However, lessons can be learned from global counterparts adopting radical and imaginative solutions as well as ensuring the health of local democracy. (BSL interpreted)

Housing appears to have transformed from provision of a warm, safe, and secure ‘home’ to ‘private asset’. With the Scottish government declaring a ‘housing emergency’ due to many complex reasons and with a 130% increase in children in temporary accommodation, it’s time for radical solutions.

This panel will discuss how the arts have been used to help reconnect forcibly displaced peoples cope with their new circumstances, process their sense of loss, and begin the journey to imagining a more hopeful future.

Machines can generate art, music, literature and apparently many of us can’t tell the difference between human or machine creativity. Are creative humans still relevant or is generative AI an overhype?

Despite risk to reputation, livelihood and even life, what motivates whistle-blowers to disclose official information, corruption, or fraud to a wider public?

How will a Scottish launch accelerate Scotland's economy? What is the potential end to end economic impact for Scotland’s and the UK’s economy?

What can the 1980s miner’s strike teach us as we move through a ‘just transition’ and ensure communities dependent on fossil fuels don’t face the same challenges?

With the Scottish Parliament marking 25 years, it is timely to discuss the public’s view of the integrity and ethics of those in public life such as politicians, the media, and the justice system. (BSL interpreted)

Americans are apparently concerned about the fitness and ethics respectively of both their Presidential candidates. With everything from the economy to the Middle East influencing voting intentions, how will November’s election play out and what will the impact be for the rest of the world? (BSL interpreted)

Join us to hear about ongoing work to address the history of Scotland’s involvement in transatlantic slavery and the Empire, and to question whether enough is being done to confront and atone for Scotland’s imperial past.

From tensions and conflict in Ukraine to Israel/Palestine, the continued rise of India – and China, global elections, including the U.S.; global leaders must also consider a climate crisis, populism, and the
impact of AI in an increasingly polarised world.

Join the panel to discuss how young people can be supported in their understanding of healthy relationships, safe spaces, and consent. (BSL interpreted)

Despite addressing the digital poverty gap, substantive digital industry skills remain in crisis. Could videogames be the secret weapon to ensuring Scotland’s new generation of digital pioneers?

How can structural challenges from microaggressions to blocked opportunities, impact women in the workplace? Can positive leadership and zero tolerance ensure everyone feels safe and empowered at work?

Data says a rethink on everything from the environment to biodiversity and plastics is overdue. While the problems are huge, there is hope that technology, significant societal transformation and a narrative switch could have the world back on track. (BSL interpreted)

We are bombarded by information that competes for our attention and money. This panel asks: how can we nurture responsible and ethical consumers of information in the digital age?

Women represent 52% of the Scottish population but only 46% of MSPs. What needs to be done in the next 25 years to break down barriers to political participation and increase representation?

A pop-up, safe space to chat and act on climate change. No need to be a climate expert as all perspectives are welcomed in a very inclusive space. Free refreshments and biscuits.

Who is using music, dance, visual art, and creative expression to help the health and healing of young people experiencing mental health issues, and how?

There seems to be an alarming rise in convincing deep fake AI generated misinformation and its potential to destabilise democratic systems. Who will establish norms on reliability, privacy and accountability on political communication?

Explore how we increase the relevance, resonance and opportunity provided by having a patron saint celebrated both in Scotland and internationally.

The rise of ‘incel’ (involuntary celibate) culture where ideologies of blame, distrust and hatred towards women, have gained huge traction online. What tools are educators and youth workers using to address this?

Billions of voters go to the polls across the globe this year, so what are the implications for geopolitics, human rights, and international relations? (BSL interpreted)

A global stage allows Scotland to showcase its creativity and wield influence. How can Scotland’s culture sector fulfil its global ambitions during unpredictable times?

As the world becomes more polarised it is becoming clearer that the way we debate and discuss important issues is preventing us from reaching solutions. How can we debate and discuss in a way that deals with the important challenges facing us?

The Scottish Parliament has passed world-leading legislation and imbued a self-confidence in its electorate since 1999. So, what are its strengths and achievements and where can it do better? (BSL interpreted)