Global Ink 2026: Call for Festival Directors Worldwide

Each August, Edinburgh – the world’s founding UNESCO City of Literature – becomes a global hub of creativity. Leading international authors, publishers, translators and booksellers convene at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in a celebration of imagination, curiosity and collaboration. Building on over forty years of commitment to international exchange, Global Ink 2026 will support delegates to build valuable international connections, with space to develop meaningful, long-lasting cultural partnerships and discuss shared challenges and opportunities.

International delegates at Global Ink 2026 will receive: 

• Guaranteed admission to a number of Festival events, presenting delegates with exclusive opportunities to connect with award-winning and leading Scottish writers. 

• Tailored networking sessions with access to key Book Festival stakeholders across culture, policy and business. 

• Access to our exclusive Hospitality Area – a fully-catered private lounge for festival participants and industry professionals to connect and relax.

• An invitation to our opening party, welcome reception, and partners’ dinner.

• A programme of closed-door sessions and panels for our twenty partner delegates, providing a confidential space to discuss current sectoral challenges. 

• Access to our industry social morning – an extended informal brunch connecting delegates with the wider Scottish sector and all Global Ink-featured talent.

• Partner-rate accommodation for the duration of Global Ink 2026. 

Aims and outcomes 

A core focus of Global Ink 2026 will be the showcasing of Scottish writing, and cultivation of opportunities for Scottish writers to reach new international audiences. Each delegate’s participation is intended to foster reciprocal invitations, touring opportunities, new commissions, and the creation of enduring partnerships with the Edinburgh International Book Festival.  

We are equally committed to supporting professional exchange and co-programming that promotes long-term collaboration across the global artistic community. The formation of Global Ink sessions will be shaped around the interests of delegates, ensuring that each session is relevant to delegates’ ambitions while also highlighting the distinctive strengths Scotland can offer in those areas. 

Our opening party and welcome reception will take place on Saturday 15 August, which we hope all delegates will attend. Delegates available on Sunday 16 August will be invited to a special Scottish programme highlight event, followed by a private reception. 

We are delighted to have support from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland, as the national public body for the arts, with this event being made possible by the Festivals EXPO Fund.

Underlining the value being placed upon this event, Global Ink 2026 was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson MSP during the 2025 Book Festival programme.  We are currently working with the Scottish Government to shape joint opportunities involving delegates throughout this global forum. 

Global Ink Forum: 17-19 August 2026

Additional Delegate events: 15 & 16 August 2026

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Format: A professional and public programme featuring industry sessions, talent showcases, and events. 

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from book, multi-arts or ideas festivals based outside the UK, including those located in countries or regions identified as areas of international engagement for EIBF (see list)  who are keen to develop long-term partnerships with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Scotland’s wider cultural sector.

Delegates must be able to self-fund travel and accommodation. The Book Festival will arrange discounted accommodation at partner hotels, which delegates can book directly.

Information on submissions for UK based festivals will follow in Spring 2026. 

For more information on eligibility and selection, please see our Global Ink Delegate Selection Criteria.

How to Apply: Please complete the Expression of Interest Form.  

Deadline for Applications: 24 January 2026. 

Successful applicants to Global Ink 2026 will be informed by February 2026. 

For any questions, please contact Kate Seiler or Graham Peacock at globalink@edbookfest.co.uk