People are more interdependent than ever before in the face of our grave global challenges - and culture goes to the heart of what connects us.  Festivals must champion the human connections that can help people navigate the unknown in our disrupted and potentially destructive age.

Julia Amour joined Festivals Edinburgh in December 2015, with over 20 years’ experience across the Scottish and UK culture, education, trade and investment sectors. Festivals Edinburgh leads on the joint strategic vision of Edinburgh’s 11 major festivals to sustain and develop the world leading festival city. Julia works with key partners and stakeholders to deliver shared priorities around developing Edinburgh’s global position, engagement and impact, and future innovation and investment. Julia previously worked for the British Council from 2007-2014, latterly acting as the UK Regional Director for two years. Highlights included creating a global education programme for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games; international partnerships with Hull 2017 UK City of Culture; and building a coalition of national agencies to establish the Creative Europe Desk UK. Prior to this, she held senior posts at the trade and investment body Scottish Development International and the Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education.