Join the world’s largest celebration of storytelling and help shape its next chapter. We’re seeking an inspiring Festival Director to lead this vibrant, internationally acclaimed event into the future.
Based in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival brings together artists, audiences, and communities from across the globe through performance, creativity, and connection. As Festival Director, you will drive the artistic vision and provide strategic leadership – ensuring the festival continues to flourish locally, nationally, and internationally.
📍Location: Edinburgh (hybrid options)
⏳Contract: 12 months (with potential to extend)
🗓️Application Deadline: Monday 1 December 2025
If you’re a creative leader with a passion for traditional arts, dynamic festival programming, and storytelling that connects cultures and communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Another Story is a new podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in this year’s Festival. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond.
So, settle down, or speed on up, to join us for another story…
Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode!
We are committed to making our programme accessible to D/deaf audiences and those who use British Sign Language (BSL). Below, you’ll find a selection of BSL explainer videos, giving an overview of each BSL Signed Performance and BSL Led Event for SISF 2025.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is one of the most admired storytelling events in the world and the largest of its kind – both from a programming and participation perspective - encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles. A world of stories within the Festival City.
‘Drift into exotic worlds as talented storytellers from all over the globe regale you with tales of derring-do.’ (Bristol Post)
TRACS (Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland, SCIO SC043009) is a co-operative network which champions our shared traditions of music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, customs and local languages. TRACS brings together the Traditional Music Forum (SCIO SC042867), the Scottish Storytelling Forum (SCIO SC052330) and the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland (SCIO SC045085). Together we celebrate the local distinctiveness of Scotland’s places: our intangible cultural heritage. TRACS and the Forums have their registered office at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
