Ministers from around the world will gather in Edinburgh in August to participate in the inaugural International Culture Summit.

The concept that culture is a bridge that promotes dialogue amongst nations, irrespective of other external events, lies at the heart of the Summit. Ministers will discuss the use and value of the arts, culture and the creative industries, and their role in encouraging dialogue among nations. Taking place August 13 & 14, delegates will be welcomed during the world-renowned Edinburgh Festivals.

In the Year of Creative Scotland and the London 2012 Festival, in one of the world's most famous Festival cities, the Summit will celebrate and enhance that reputation.

The International Culture Summit is a collaboration between four partner organisations – the Scottish Government, the UK Government, the British Council and the Edinburgh International Festival and will be hosted at the Scottish Parliament. The conference theme will be 'Culture as an International Dialogue'. The programme is being devised around three strategic strands:

• The role of the arts and culture in deepening and broadening our understanding of the complex relationships between cultures and nations
  
• Sustaining private and public support for culture
  
• Future skills for the creative industries and the role of technology

A detailed programme for the Summit will be announced in due course.