Enlightenment Now (The Enlightenment and Contemporary Creative Experimentation)

Ahead of this year's Edinburgh Festival season, and the International Festival in particular, The Skinny has organised what is set to be a fascinating discussion about the most exciting trends in contemporary creative practice, in the fields of music, theatre, and visual art.

This year, Jonathan Mills introduced a series of discussion events to the International Festival programme, the theme of which for 2009 will be 'Enlightenment'. In keeping with this, 'Enlightenment Now' will be looking at how contemporary creative trends, practices and experiments relate to the tradition of Enlightenment thinking.

To take on this weighty question, we've assembled a world-class panel of experts:

- Jonathan Mills (Director, Edinburgh International Festival)
- Fiona Bradley (Director, Fruitmarket Gallery)
- Jackie Wylie (Artistic Director, The Arches)

Jonathan Mills took over as Director of the International Festival last year, and has already created an impression with his bold themed programmes, singular music programme and for generally getting involved with the Edinburgh scene - the grandaddy of all festivals has a fresh face.

Fiona Bradley brought the first exhibitions by Rachel Whiteread and Andreas Gursky to Britain earlier in her career, and this summer will add to her impressive roster of exhibitions for the Fruitmarket with a show of experimental pieces by Eva Hesse.

Jackie Wylie has risen through the ranks at The Arches, and has taken on the top role with great creative verve. For the first time this year, the Arches will be bringing their unique insight into contemporary theatre and dance to a whole venue at this year's Fringe, when they take over St Stephen's church for a month of spectacle.

The event will also feature DVD preview coverage of festival shows.

'Enlightenment Now' is a free event, though ticketed places are limited; email enlightenment@theskinny.co.uk to book your place.