Funding

The Edinburgh International Festival has three main sources of income: ticket sales, sponsorship and donations, and public sector grants primarily from The City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Arts Council. The Festival, which is a registered charity (a not-for-profit organisation), aims to cover its costs each year.

In 2008, 48% of the Festival's total income was generated through earned income including ticket sales, sponsorship and donations, with 52% coming from public sector grants.

The total cost of the 2008 Festival was approximately £9 million.

73% of the Festival's expenditure was allocated directly to meeting the costs of presenting performances: artists' fees and travel, hiring the venues, and paying the technical costs involved with staging events. The remaining 27% of the budget was spent on marketing, selling the tickets, fundraising and administration.

Each year the Festival produces an Annual Review which gives details of each Festival's finances. The most recent Reviews are available to download here.

Have you been engaged or inspired by the Festival?
Seen a special Festival performance or enjoyed the city in all its vibrant life? The Edinburgh International Festival would not exist without the support of trust, foundations, corporations and individuals. We would love you to join them. Click here for information on how you can help ensure the Festival continues.  

Edinburgh International Festival Society registered charity no: SC004694.