Leisure, Events & Culture

CCSE members have extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of leisure, culture and events, having played an instrumental role in the creation and development of these fields of study for over 30 years. Our work ranges from practice to policy implementation, encompassing a variety of leisure activities, cultural events and festivals, from small-scale community-based projects to those of national and international significance. Recent projects have included FESTSPACE which explored the role of festivals and events in the production of inclusive public space in Europe (Humanities in the European Area) and FestivalsConnect, (Spiritof2012) which examines the relationship between festivals and events in promoting positive EDI outcomes (Glasgow Mela & UCI World Championships). We have a particular interest in the areas of civic engagement, social impact and social value of events, with much of our work focusing on the practical effects of events and festivals on their host communities. We also have expertise in the role of art and culture in fragile contexts and conflict and the role of art and sport as soft power tools in Diplomatic relations. Previous work has included acting as an expert advisor to the OECD draft recommendation on Global Events and Local Development and more recently as an expert advisor to the FCDO’s and British Council on the International Development Strategy. Two of our staff are members of the European Cultural Parliament and one is a Trustee for Edinburgh International Cultural Summit Foundation.

With many of our members starting their academic careers in the area of leisure, we have a long-established relationship with research in this area and look forward to hosting the Leisure Studies Conference in 2024, which is titled (Re)claiming Leisure: rights, responsibilities and resistance. In addition to our existing leisure-based research, we are currently applying for research grants, developing and undertaking projects drawing from cross-disciplinary literature, such as therapeutic leisure, physical activity, mental wellbeing, wellness and leisure as healing.

Having played a pivotal role in the establishment of events management education within Scotland and the UK, we have an interest in contributing to the further development and professionalisation of the events industry, undertaking research examining the role of Higher Education in the professionalisation and evolution of the events industry, and offering CPD and short courses in support of practitioners. Furthermore, CCSE members hold positions on the Executive Board of the Association for Events Management and UKEVENTS working group for Skills, Talent and Diversity.