Space at The Broomhouse Hub & the Edinburgh International Festival - Edinburgh International Festival in Space

Since 1989, Space has served some of Edinburgh’s most deprived communities. We deliberately adapt our approach, whilst consistently developing our team and recruiting from within where possible. We listen without judgement, aiming to help people build on their own strengths, focusing on assets not deficits to build real change. Developing our community work this way demonstrates our values led approach which has kept the organisation relevant, intentional and aligned with local need.

Space @ The Broomhouse Hub is Edinburgh International Festival’s (EIF) first Community Connections Hub, building a deep, place‑based partnership focused on connection, skills and inclusive cultural participation. Together, we removed barriers to engagement, enabling hundreds of people to access EIF for the first time. Highlights included a landmark VR concert launch, free festival tickets, dementia‑friendly live music, and a Culture Club co‑created with ESOL learners. Joint employability work saw 30 young jobseekers gain skills through the WOW Project, with 10 gaining paid work experience. Through careful planning and shared ambition, limited resources were maximised to deliver meaningful, lasting community impact.