The Just Festival Board chose the theme OutsideIn for the 2018 festival. It engaged new and returning audiences in reflecting on vital social justice issues. Our conversations and talks were closely linked to this theme. As we celebrated the 2018 festival in the newly-commissioned Cornerstone Centre in St John’s, we wanted to share the wonderful new space with as many as possible, and so for 2018 we offered free entry to this part of the programme. This policy decision was highly successful, with many conversations reaching the maximum capacity of the space in the Café. The topics offered plenty of choice, from “Faith-based Courts” ,“Slaves in Scotland”, “Ethics of Aid”, “Trapped in Isolation” and “Fierce females” to “Brexit means Anxiety”, “Faith in Politics” and “Mandela’s Legacy”. The panels consisted of an impressive list of accomplished academics as well as faith and community leaders, such as Prof Mona Siddiqui, Bishop John Armes, Rev Kathy Galloway, Brian Filling, Prof Sarah Pederson, The Very Rev Dr Derek Browning, Mark Lazarowicz, Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Seema Kennedy MP, Dr Dave Landrum, Rev Dr Harriet Harris, Eric Robertson and Dr Marion Ellison.
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Edinburgh | 3-26 August 2018
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THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT & VOLUNTARY ACTION FUND THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE CHURCHES TOGETHER THE CORRA FOUNDATION ST JOHN'S CHURCH ALLANDER PRINT JUST VOLUNTEERS CONTACT INFO JUST-FESTIVAL.ORG INFO@JUST-FESTIVAL.ORG
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK PERFORMANCES: IMPACT We need to stop being afraid of each other. (Where Are You Really From?) The show tells a moving story of self-searching and acceptance of other. (bloominauschwitz) it deals with profound issues of identity and loss.(bloominauschwitz) Powerful invocation of the pointless evil of political imprisonment. Tragic, important and superbly acted.(The Island) A very powerful and moving production. An important show, articulately in this climate of disgusting Holocaust denial. (Dr Korczak's Example)
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Just partnered with local charities to present a selection of engaging talks on death and dying with Good Life, Good Death and Good Grief - “Scottish Funerals”, "Life of a Funeral Director”, “End of Life Doulas” and on gender issues affecting girls around the world, highlighted by EMMS International, “Every Girl Matters”. The OutsideIn theme was closely followed in our choice of theatre productions. These included “The Island”, “Dr Korczak’s Example” by Strange Town Theatre Company and “bloominauschwitz” by Menagerie Theatre Company. Commentary on contemporary social relations was the focus of “Connected Lives” by the Active Inquiry Network and in “Where are you really from?” by the World Spirit Theatre/Glasgow Citizen’s. The musical events were “Sounds from the Gold Coast” by Alabaster Box; “We Are” by the Adaawe Company; “Crow” by Song Radio and the Nevis Ensemble. All these shows received either 4 or 5 star reviews and were highly recommended by audiences. The Just Director and Board worked closely with local artists, charities and community groups to give voice to matters that concerned them. The Harmony Choir, this year’s festival- supported charity, presented their show “Find Your Way”, shedding light on mental health issues . They also had a new youth project “Take Note! Youth Choir”.
In their OutsideIn Poetry event ,Nadine Aisha Jassat and her guests shared stories based on minority men and women of colour affected by harassment and discrimination. Faith in Older People shared inter-faith stories in their story-telling show “Identity and Belonging”, while Changing Faces presented the experiences of people with disfigurements in their improvisation show “X-changing Faces”. The Just Festival also included exhibitions in the church. “Forward to Freedom” reminded us all of the importance of a collective stance against prejudice and injustice. This was curated by the British Anti-Apartheid Movement and Action for Southern Africa. “Let it Art” by the Youth Arts View UK showcased youth perceptions of media coverage of terrorism and violence, and their views on peace and worries about conflict, terrorism and violence. The third was a new exhibition by Side to Side called “Faith in Gender Justice”, showing the role women have played in breaking the silence and becoming messengers of hope. The Festival programme attracted over 2,750 attendees, excluding all who came to the exhibitions. Just Festival is deeply indebted to St John’s and the Cornerstone Development enabling the delivery of the festival, and to its sponsors: the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Together Churches, the Scottish Government/ Voluntary Action Fund, the Corra Foundation, and to foundations and individuals who donated generously.
SOCIAL MEDIA QUOTES CONVERSATIONS: IMPACT Brexit has had a huge impact on migrants community - the damage has already been done (Brexit Means Anxiety) We can only be human by being part of wider community (We Are, Therefore I Am) International aid is a good thing, and a duty. We need to be serious about sustainability and seek to support development (Ethics of Aid) In recent years there has been a lot of attention - some of it misguided - about Sharia Courts and Batei Din in some sections of the media (Faith-based Courts)
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MEDIA ON 18'PROGRAMME The LIST: 'Celebrating humanity in all its diverse forms might not be in vogue for some of our world leaders, but the Edinburgh Festival has always promoted fairness and eclecticism in equal measure. At the heart of that mission is the Just Festival, with its annual array of theatre, talks, music, dance and exhibitions.' The Wee Review: 'At a time when so many people are worrying over the future and anxious about the lack of care they see around them, the annual socially- conscious Just Festival is more welcome than ever. ' The Herald: 'In St John’s studio we’re welcomed into a world of rhythm, where kit drums, djembes and talking drum create the grooves and incidentals for stories about the 3 women’s inspirations.'
JUST APPROACH AND IMPACT Just Festivals offer a platform for marginalised voices to be heard and represented in public discourse. We recognise a need for a collective approach towards tackling inequalities and promoting diversity through arts and open dialogue. Having observed how the community landscape of Edinburgh and Scotland has changed in the past 18 years, we have revisited our ways of engaging with communities and remodelled our programming activities. We aim to continue working with disadvantaged groups and individuals and provide them with skills and support in ensuring their stories are told. We plan to increase our community outreach by engaging more disadvantaged individuals in the 'Age & Stage' project delivered in partnership with Active Inquiry and with the support from the Corra Foundation. Owing to the support from the Scottish Episcopal Church's Global Partnerships Committee we were also able to provide two South African drama graduates with an opportunity to participate in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and present, to audience and reviewers' acclaim, their take on the highly renowned play 'The Island'. With our technical and employability skills project 'Staged for Life' we will further engage young unemployed people in training sessions and provide work placement opportunities. Our events engage volunteers from Edinburgh and beyond and offer a safe and welcoming space to enhance their customer services, communications, technical and management skills. As part of our 'Just Skills Academy' Project supported by the Scottish Government and the Voluntary Service Fund we not only engage individuals but also third sector organisations in workshop sessions that equip them with skills while providing a platform for sharing ideas surrounding public engagement by means of expressive arts and events. We continue to look for new partners and supporters who can join us and help make our communities just for all.
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