Following the success of last year, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) is set to return to various venues throughout Edinburgh from 13-29 October 2023, thanks to continued support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and Creative Scotland. The festival is the world’s largest celebration of storytelling. This year it will mark the 75th … Continued

We recently published a Wee Guide to Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to give you a brief overview, and to highlight the major opportunities and challenges faced by arts and culture organisations, as well as individuals, in celebrating and sharing our intangible cultural heritage. On 26th May 2023, TRACS – together with Museums Galleries Scotland, Historic … Continued

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH for short)? Simply put, you might know it as “tradition”. Essentially, it’s the stuff in our heads, our skills, our knowledge as communities and societies – very often that which is passed down through generations. It includes traditional songs, storytelling, dancing, customs and rituals, how we celebrate at different … Continued

Did you know that Vincent Hantam – the choreographer of two Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland new productions – our screen dance To Begin the Dance Once More and the related live performance for three dancers and two musicians Dances with Ouds and Fiddles – will join us in-person for the post-show discussion as part … Continued

Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023 Right To Be Human – Open Call for New and Existing Work – The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our theme ‘Right To Be Human’ celebrates and explores all aspects of our common humanity. In a changing and … Continued

Today (Wed 15 March) Edinburgh Tradfest launched its 2023 programme of traditional live music, storytelling, dance, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events taking place at various venues across Edinburgh. TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) and the Scottish Storytelling Centre are delighted to take part in this annual celebration, bringing folk art and culture to … Continued

As our culture continues to diversify, so do the definitions of traditional dance, hip hop and Scottishness, especially in times of uncertainty, displacement and migration. It was at Pomegranates 2022 – the inaugural international trad dance festival initiated and curated by Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland – that we embarked on the mission of exploring … Continued

Our participatory sessions are designed to help you improve your skills and share your experiences with fellow storytelling enthusiasts. The carefully curated TRACS and Scottish Storytelling Forum 2023 workshop programme offers you the chance to work with highly-skilled and experienced artists, giving you guidance on improving your practice and discovering your own talent.  We offer workshops … Continued

We are delighted to announce the return of our Pomegranates festival – sowing the seeds of international traditional dance across Edinburgh this spring. Initiated and curated by the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland, the annual festival will once again mark UNESCO’s International Dance Day on 29 April 2023. The second iteration of our festival weekend … Continued

TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) is delighted to announce that they have appointed Steve Byrne as their new Director. A noted performer, researcher, folklorist and community activist, Steve Byrne will take up his appointment from March 2023, continuing the work of TRACS and its three forums for traditional music, storytelling, and traditional dance; and … Continued