For the month of August, Edinburgh's leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces present an innovative programme of special events – most of which are free to attend. The festival also includes new public art commissions by established and emerging artists.
Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF) combines ambitious presentations of contemporary and historic art from Scotland and around the world.
The 19th edition of the Edinburgh Art Festival once again brings a number of artists together in the capital city’s leading galleries, museums and cultural spaces. From "Dorothy Towers", a film about two residential towerblocks in the centre of Birmingham that became a haven for LGBT+ people, to Edinburgh-based poet Nat Raha's performance work addressing the history of island-based prisons around the globe, the 2023 Edinburgh Art Festival programme showcases the unique voices and perspectives of international, British and Scottish artists.
The History of Edinburgh Art Festival
Edinburgh Art Festival was founded to shine a light on art during Edinburgh’s festival period, when theatre, opera, music and comedy traditionally take centre stage. Supporting both leading and emerging talent has always played a key role, as has ensuring that a complementary education programme enhances the experience through workshops, tours and school projects.
Offering free events and commissioning artworks that respond to public and historic sites in the city have also always been a major part of the festival.