Each year, the Royal Society of Edinburgh chooses a key topic to investigate, inviting sector experts to engage in a series of events that take on some of the key questions and debates in the subject area. This Spring, the RSE investigates Scotland’s creative industries, shedding light on their role as a catalyst for change, an avenue for resistance and identity creation, and how they can help address contemporary challenges in Scotland.
This year’s series explores topics from the evolving role of Scotland’s libraries and celebrating literary traditions to understanding the intersection of design, landscape, and identity, and exploring women’s impact on countercultural creativity. The RSE will also visit several iconic cultural venues, including the V&A Dundee, The National Library of Scotland, and Glasgow Women’s Library for the events, which are completely free and open to all.
Amongst the speakers, the RSE are thrilled to welcome critically acclaimed author and Fellow Louise Welsh, who will be interviewed by Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, on Monday, 20 May, at 18:00. They will be exploring the creativity that defines their distinguished careers, promising an engaging and insightful discussion. Aminah Shah FRSE (National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland), Sean McNamara (Head of The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), and Éadaoín Lynch (Scottish Book Trust) will form a panel discussing the unique challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s libraries.
As Scotland’s National Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh celebrates interdisciplinary expertise across sectors, including the creative industries – from art and literature to music and design.
The programme is a series of five events, beginning with a discussion of women’s countercultural creativity on Thursday 11 April, and culminating with Louise Welsh in conversation with Jenny Niven on Thursday 20 May.
