@article{Ali-Knight_J-2023_123455,
title = {Festival hiatus, resilience and innovation during COVID-19: learnings from the Edinburgh Festivals},
author = {Ali-Knight, J. and Kerr, G. and Stewart, H. and Holmes, K.},
month = {mar},
year = {2023},
abstract = {Purpose In this paper, we explore how Edinburgh’s key Festivals have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their response presents the emergence of more innovative festival delivery models and a different imagining of the festival space. Design/methodology/ approach We use a qualitative mixed methods research design involving 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with Edinburgh’s Festival Directors and other cultural and policy stakeholders as part of a University--funded stand-alone research project. The interviews were supplemented with participant observation at festivals virtually and in-person to experience new and emerging formats of festival content delivery, adherence to Scottish Government guidelines on COVID-19 safety, and to experience attending festivals during a pandemic. Findings We present findings on how Edinburgh’s Festivals have responded to COVID-19 and how they have adapted – and in some cases reimagined - their business models to survive. Originality We propose a new theoretical framework that establishes a model for how festivals can approach risk management within their business model, focused on the “3R’s” – Respond, Resilience, and Reimagine - with Communication and Support being central to this framework.},
journal = {International Journal of Event and Festival Management},
publisher = {Emerald Publishing},
url = {https://publichealthscotland.scot/id/123455},
}
