Beyond Borders Scotland

Beyond Borders is an international not-for-profit organisation, based in Scotland, dedicated to facilitating dialogue & cultural exchange between nations. It uses Scotland’s own cultural & political heritage, in particular the Scottish Borders and Traquair House, to provide a platform to writers, artists, thinkers, political and cultural leaders from other iconic small nations from around the world to share ideas and experiences. We recognise that art too is a form of dialogue, and that the cultural track is just as important as other traditional peace tracks in seeking to end conflict and build trust between warring parties and cultures. Beyond Borders works to promote Scotland as cultural beacon to other small nations and unrecognised peoples around the world. Collaborative and innovative, it seeks to facilitate and release the cultural energies of some of the most original and independent cultural leaders of our time. Its multi-disciplinary approach combines an open cultural exchange programme with a more confidential dialogue track through our mediation programme. We curate a series of book, thought and film festivals, as well as individual art exhibitions and interventions, film screenings, literature discussions, live performances, seminars and participatory discussions that span the arts and civic society, from interfaith dialogue to conflict. The organisation aims to create a vibrant international platform within Scotland, to break down borders between peoples, and help facilitate wider international cultural exchange, dialogue and reconciliation. Beyond Borders works across several different mediums including literature, performing arts, visual arts, heritage, film, politics and dialogue.