The Intercultural Connections Award 2026
Introduction
Born at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, the IC Award (Intercultural Connections Award) celebrates artistic excellence, cultural dialogue, and the transformative power of performance.
Founded by the Intercultural Connections Initiative (ICI), the IC Award was established to recognise artists and productions that inspire understanding across cultures and bring communities together through creativity.
Today, the IC Award has evolved beyond a traditional award programme. It serves as a platform connecting international artists, festivals, cultural institutions, and audiences, creating opportunities for collaboration, touring, and long-term cultural exchange.
Our Vision
We believe that art is one of humanity's most powerful languages.
The IC Award exists to champion artists whose work transcends borders, encourages dialogue, and creates meaningful connections between people, cultures, and communities.
Our long-term vision is to build a global network of artists, presenters, festivals, and cultural leaders, creating new opportunities for international collaboration and sustainable creative exchange.
Through the IC Award, we seek to strengthen the relationship between international performing arts and emerging cultural markets, particularly within China and Asia, while supporting the global circulation of outstanding artistic work.
From Edinburgh to the World
The IC Award was born within the unique international environment of the Edinburgh Festivals.
Every August, Edinburgh becomes a meeting point for thousands of artists, producers, programmers, and cultural leaders from across the globe. Inspired by this spirit of openness and exchange, the IC Award identifies productions that embody artistic innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and international potential.
Since its launch, the Award has attracted applications from more than 30 countries across multiple continents, welcoming a diverse range of productions, artists, and creative voices.
Beyond Recognition
The IC Award is not simply about celebrating achievement.
It is about creating pathways.
Selected productions become part of an international community that continues beyond the award itself. Through partnerships with festivals, theatres, cultural institutions, universities, and industry leaders, the IC Award aims to support:
- International touring opportunities
- Cultural exchange programmes
- Professional networking and partnerships
- Artist development and mentorship
- Educational workshops and masterclasses
- Access to emerging international markets
Our ambition is to establish the IC Award as a trusted gateway for international productions seeking meaningful engagement with audiences and partners around the world.
IC Award Categories
Best Production Award
Recognising outstanding artistic achievement in performance, creativity, and audience impact.
Pioneer Award
Celebrating artists and organisations pushing boundaries and creating new possibilities within the performing arts.
Personal Achievement Award
Honouring individuals whose contributions have made a significant impact on cultural exchange and artistic development.
Future Generation Award
Recognising emerging artists and innovative new voices shaping the future of the performing arts.
IC Award 2026 Theme
Echoes of Love
Love leaves traces.
Across generations, across borders, and across cultures, acts of compassion, understanding, and creativity continue to resonate long after they first occur.
Echoes of Love invites artists to explore the connections that unite us — whether through heritage, identity, community, memory, humanity, or hope.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, we celebrate the stories that remind us of our shared experiences and our collective future.
Important Dates
Applications Open
31 March 2026
Applications Close
31 July 2026
Winners Announced
August 2026
Join the Movement
The IC Award is more than a competition.
It is a growing international community committed to cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and global collaboration.
Whether you are an artist, producer, festival, institution, sponsor, or cultural leader, we invite you to join us in building bridges through creativity.
Together, we can ensure that the echoes of today's stories continue to inspire future generations.