Every year, British Council participates in The Edinburgh International Performing Arts Delegation (IPAD) which helps international theatre and dance professionals build meaningful connections with UK artists, companies and organisations while experiencing the breadth and quality of contemporary UK performance.
Held during Edinburgh's renowned festival season, IPAD offers international presenters, programmers and festival directors a unique opportunity to navigate the world's largest festival city through a curated five-day programme. Delegates gain access to world-class, tour-ready UK theatre and dance productions, develop professional networks, and discover new artists and creative partners.
IPAD is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Together, the programme supports UK-international touring, strengthens artistic exchange and opens new markets for the UK's performing arts sector at a time when international collaboration is more important than ever.
In addition to the delegation programme, follow-up funding is available to support delegates in developing partnerships with UK creatives, helping to turn conversations and introductions into lasting international collaborations. Building on the legacy of the Edinburgh Showcase programme, which ran from 1999 to 2019, IPAD continues to create opportunities for UK artists and international presenters to establish long-term working relationships and bring outstanding performance work to audiences around the world.
Dublin Theatre Festival Delegate
In 2026, we were delighted to support Róisín Goan, Director of Dublin Theatre Festival, as our delegate to IPAD.
As Ireland's leading international theatre festival, Dublin Theatre Festival has a long-standing reputation for presenting ambitious and innovative work from Ireland and across the globe. Under Róisín's leadership, the festival champions contemporary voices, artistic excellence and meaningful international exchange, making it an ideal fit for IPAD's mission of fostering new touring opportunities and cross-border partnerships.
By connecting with UK artists, producers and fellow international presenters through IPAD, Róisín had the opportunity to explore new work, strengthen professional networks and identify future opportunities for collaboration between Dublin Theatre Festival and the UK's vibrant performing arts sector.