"Showcase Scotland provides a unique opportunity to see the best established and up and coming Scottish folk artists and also to meet and discuss ideas with the leading promoters of celtic music from around the world."
Eddie Barcan, Cambridge Folk Festival
International music industry delegates from over 35 different countries will visit Glasgow in January to sample the cream of Scottish musical talent at Showcase Scotland 2008. Showcase Scotland is the largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland, and will run for five days during Celtic Connections in January. Now in its ninth year, Showcase Scotland is organized by Active Events, and was initiated by the Scottish Arts Council and British Council Scotland to provide a platform for promoting Scottish music and artists to new audiences around the world.
Ian Smith, Head of Music at Scottish Arts Council, said, "We have a phenomenal wealth of talent in Scotland in traditional, folk and roots music, from every corner of this country. Showcase Scotland gives our artists the chance to play to a global audience, via the representatives who attend this event. As such it is a key part of our showcasing strategy ensuring the best of Scottish musical talent, of all genres, reaches the largest possible audience."
Donald Shaw, Artistic Consultant for Celtic Connections and founding member of celtic band Capercaillie, said, "Creating links through music is what Celtic Connections is all about. Showcase Scotland facilitates this on an international level by introducing Scottish talent to a global network of contacts, and subsequently it remains an integral part of our festival."
The international exposure Scottish artists gain through appearing at the showcase can lead to record deals and overseas touring contracts. Performers benefit from its popularity; every year Showcase Scotland is over-subscribed, with over 150 UK and international promoters, record labels and agents in attendance, collectively representing a global audience of over 1 million people.
This year's Showcase Scotland will run from Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th January, and will involve around 60 artists performing in 12 venues across Glasgow.
SS 2008 launches at the City Halls on Wed 23rd Jan with a concert from the Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson Trio.
Region Västra Götaland
It is indeed a privilege to have this opportunity to take part in Showcase Scotland 2008. The Secretariat for Culture in Region Västra Götaland is very excited about this collaboration and would like to thank Showcase Scotland for inviting us.
Region Västra Götaland, in the south west of Sweden, has a population of approximately 1.6 million.
Göteborg is its largest city and is also a centre for growth.
At first glance, from a Scottish point of view, Region Västra Götaland might be
perceived as remote, located as it is across the North Sea but in reality, the great waters are not a divide - they bring nations closer together.
We believe that the North Sea actually creates a sense of community with Scotland.
Historically, the Scots did not consider Västra Götaland remote - indeed, many Scottish entrepreneurs settled in the West of Sweden, initiating essential parts of our highly successful manufacturing industry
While Showcase is about business & the cultural industries, it is primarily an international gathering of music & culture. We are proud of our strong music scene, which includes the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra - granted the title "Swedish National Orchestra" in 1997 - and a vivid variety of folk groups.
Our traditional folk music in the west of Sweden has distinct Celtic roots which today still remind us of our historical links with Scotland.
We hope that our contribution to Showcase Scotland will whet your appetite for traditional folk music from the west of Sweden! We strongly believe that this musical venture will be a source of inspiration for our musicians and benefit future collaborations and exchanges.