From diverse art exhibitions, conversations about the arts and technology, and creative partnerships, Edinburgh Futures Institute is thrilled to be taking part in this year’s summer festivals.
Our Edinburgh Festivals 2026 presence includes the AI Literacy Challenge exhibition, Edinburgh Art Festival exhibitions and sponsored events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
AI Literacy Challenge Exhibition
5-11 August 2026, 9am-5pm
Anthea Bond Exhibition Room, LeVEL 1, Edinburgh Futures Institute
We kicked off our festival programme in the Edinburgh Futures Institute building with a showcase from the AI Literacy Challenge, which was on display from 5-11 August at the Anthea Bond Exhibition room.
A cohort of learners from the Grassmarket Community Project has been visiting Edinburgh Futures Institute for practical, jargon-free workshops to learn about artificial intelligence through the lens of AI ethics. The exhibition shared the participants’ journey through video interviews and interactive data visualisation. The AI Literacy Challenge was made possible through a generous donation from Phoenix Court Works & Next Economy Trust.
Edinburgh Art Festival
14-30 August 2026, 9am-5pm
Various locations at Edinburgh Futures Institute
For the Edinburgh Art Festival this year, we have a diverse set of exhibitions and artworks around the building, which are all free to visit.
Edinburgh Seven Tapestry
Level 1-2 staircase, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Permanently installed at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the Edinburgh Seven Tapestry is a triptych designed by Christine Borland and woven by Dovecot Studios using traditional techniques and innovative materials.
The tapestry celebrates The Edinburgh Seven, the first women to matriculate at any UK university, who began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1869. It is an extraordinary tribute to pioneering students who showed resilience and determination when their path to education was blocked. The tapestry’s organic shapes are based on cellular structures and gestures of care.
Read more about the tapestry and view a recording of our event with the artist which explored themes of collaboration, care and respect.
The Marks Left Behind
14-30 August 2026, 9am – 6pm
Large Digital Screen, Level 2 (via the north entrance) Edinburgh Futures Institute
The Marks Left Behind is an algorithmic artwork by Dave Bowes, who also works under the name Great Snakes AV.
Using data from interactions in the building, this installation transforms passing moments into a living artwork, creating a composition that is entirely unique each day. The installation collects the “hidden history” of people who pass through the building and the marks they leave behind.
The worn paths on a staircase, the subtle traces of repeated movement, and the almost invisible evidence of human presence reveal patterns that no single individual intended to create. Together, these accumulated imprints tell an evolving story of the people who have inhabited this place.
Where We Are
15-30 August 2026, 9:30am-10pm
Anthea Bond Exhibition Room, Level 1, Edinburgh Futures Institute
The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Where We Are exhibition showcases work by participants in their year-round Communities Programme. With beautiful artwork from Edinburgh College of Art BA (Hons) Illustration students and in collaboration with participants and partners, this multimedia exhibition celebrates the creativity and talent of local people and young artists from Edinburgh and beyond.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
15-30 August 2026, VARIOUS TiMes
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
As a Major Sponsor of the Book Festival again in 2026, we are pleased to support a great set of events on themes which connect directly with work at Edinburgh Futures Institute on digital skills, data and AI literacy, and futures thinking.
The Front List: Cory Doctorow & Jimmy Wales. Chaired by Gabriel Gatehouse
Mon 17 August, 13:00-14:00, McEwan Hall
Journalist Gabriel Gatehouse hosts a conversation exploring our online lives with author Cory Doctorow and Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia.
Hilary Cottam & Sarah O’Connor: New Ways of Working
Fri 21 August, 15:30-16:30, EFI Courtyard Theatre
Financial Times journalist Sarah O’Connor and social innovator Hillary Cottam explore what our future relationship with work might look like and what the impact of AI will be. We’re delighted Sarah O’Connor will return to Edinburgh to take part in our Future University series in September.
Future Library
Sat 29 August, 12:00-13:00, EFI Courtyard Theatre
Norway’s Future Library has been a huge inspiration to colleagues and students at Edinburgh Futures Institute. Contributors Elif Shafak and Valeria Luiselli speak with Future Library’s Anne Beate Hovind and its creator, Scottish artist Katie Paterson about the project. The event includes the exciting announcement of the writer who will contribute to the Future Library in 2027.
A huge thank you to those who have already visited our early exhibitions, and we look forward to seeing you at the events which are still to come!
