Dr Nick Batho | Declamation

Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival is the platform for the visual arts at the heart of Edinburgh’s August festivals, bringing together the capital’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces in a city-wide celebration of the very best in visual art.Each year, the Festival features leading international and UK artists alongside the best emerging talent, major survey exhibitions of historic figures, and a special programme of newly commissioned artworks that respond to public and historic sites in the city.The vast majority of the festival is free to attend.

Edinburgh Art Festival

Guided walking tour with historian Dr Nick Batho

Institute francais d'Ecosse

Join us on our walking tour series investigating Edinburgh’s historical links to struggles for democracy, abolitionism and social reform, exploring the city’s monuments, martyrs and political landscapes. Historian Dr Nick Batho examines sites in Edinburgh’s city centre associated with the life and work of ‘Scotland’s Anti-slavery agent’ Frederick Douglass (1818-1895). These spaces saw Douglass, and many other US born, black freedom-fighters, campaign for social justice. Featuring the stories, speeches and campaigns of just some of the inspirational men and women who called Edinburgh home during their transatlantic visits. This tour will also highlight some of Edinburgh Art Festival’s Commissions including Isaac Julien’s Lessons of the Hour, and What Happens to desire… a series of artists projects curated by Associate Artist Tako Taal. Header image credit: Valantis Gasparis

Visitor InformationThis tour will include some hills, walking across cobbles, and uneven steps. If you have any questions regarding physical access, please do get in touch. Please book in advance.

Visiting SafelyAll our festival venues will be following the latest Scottish Government Covid guidelines to ensure visitor safety, and we will be keeping our website regularly updated on what audiences can expect during their visit.Please check the individual requirements of each venue before visiting, wear a mask when advised, and maintain physical distance.

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