On 2 December 2009, Brussels celebrates the ‘Scotland Week’, with the participation of the Edinburgh International Festival and a seminar on “European Festivals: Driving Success Through Culture”. The European Festivals Association (EFA), the Scottish Government, the European Commission and the City of Edinburgh Council participate in the seminar. Contributing to the European thinking around culture in the Year of Creativity and Innovation, the seminar ‘European Festivals: Driving Success Through Culture’ explores existing and potentially innovative approaches of collaboration between national and regional government and the arts sector, with the aim of delivering on wider policy objectives. Joanna Baker, Managing Director of Edinburgh International Festival, will chair a Focus Session entitled “From a Convergence of Interest to a Coalition of Purpose.” The session looks at cross sector collaboration, joined up strategies, using festivals and culture to deliver wider policy objectives, and the impact of festivals on people, cities, regions and society. EFA Secretary General Kathrin Deventer will participate in the Focus Session on behalf of the European Festivals Association. In addition, three breakout sessions will discuss topics such as “Collaborating to Compete”, “Cities as Cultural Hubs” and “Culture in achieving success.” More information on the seminar can be found here.