Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 19/11/2024

A new resource aiming to help promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within festivals and events has been launched by academics at University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

This playbook aims to support those responsible for planning, organising, and delivering festivals and events to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) from the outset.

It focuses on four key dimensions for festival and event organisers when considering equality, diversity, and inclusion:

  • representation
  • design and programming
  • governance and resourcing
  • evaluating success

It highlights comprehensively how festival and event organisers can factor all four into their planning.

Dancers at the Aberdeen MelaDancers at the Aberdeen Mela. Credit: Aberdeen Mela

Equality, diversity, and inclusion compliance can feel very tokenistic and transactional.

It can feel like it's focused on "ticking boxes" when what people really need is for organisers to be careful, considerate, and reflective about why equality, diversity, and inclusion are important for their festivals or events and their various stakeholders.

Our playbook offers resources, tips, and case studies that organisers can learn from.

Professor Gayle McPherson, Chair in Events and Cultural Policy and Director of the Research Centre for Culture, Sport & Events, University of the West of Scotland

We drew on research evidence and practice insights to develop a resource that can be used by the festival and events sector.

We also wanted to include contributions from people with lived experience and expertise, audiences, festival and event organisers, policy makers, and funders.

David McGillivray, Professor of Event and Digital Cultures, University of the West of Scotland

Events play an important role in our communities, giving us all the chance to connect, share and enjoy memorable moments.

The launch of the playbook for will give organisers helpful advice and guidance on how to integrate equality, diversity, and inclusion into their planning to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone taking part in an event.

Incorporating equality, diversity, and inclusion can help create a sense of belonging and community pride, as well as enhancing Scotland's reputation as a tourism and events destination that values and celebrates diversity.

By ensuring accessibility, representation, and inclusivity, event organisers can reach wider audiences, deepen engagement, and leave lasting, positive impacts on both attendees and the local community.

Marina Di Duca, Inclusive Tourism Manager, VisitScotland

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