SCOTLAND is to host a second International Culture Summit (ICS) in 2014 that will give a "window to the world" for Scottish creative talent.
The first ICS, held at the start of this week, was the brainchild of Edinburgh International Festival director Jonathan Mills.
He hailed the venture a huge success, with new arts funding partnerships formed among the 37 countries represented at the event held at Holyrood.
The 2014 event will be held at the same time as the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and it is expected there will be similar benefits as this year's summit, which started as the London Olympics drew to a close.
As well as addressing the social and political roles culture plays in our societies, the summit aims to create a market place for innovative arts projects seeking financial support.
Mr Mills said: "We have already achieved several things, but the greatest achievement is to have the summit at all. It is a very important window to the UK and it should also be a window for the UK to the rest of the world."
Cultural events have become key financial drivers in Scotland, with Edinburgh's festivals worth around £260m a year.
The two-day summit this week included delegates from South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand and Russia.
It is unclear what format future summits will take, but an EIF source said it is planned the next event will be held in Edinburgh during the Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 3.
One collaboration has been set up for 2014, with the South African government funding cultural exchanges with Scotland as the country marks 20 years of political freedom.
John Battersby, UK Country Manager, of tourism body Brand South Africa said: "We regard arts, culture and heritage and sport as the most powerful vehicles to convey the vibrance and creativity of the South African Brand."
Lloyd Anderson, Director, British Council Scotland: "We have been working with Edinburgh's Festivals over the past couple of years to develop and deepen relationships between South Africa and Edinburgh.
"We hope to continue this work especially looking towards 2014 and the Commonwealth Games, which also marks 20 years of independence for South Africa."
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