Playing on the high-budget, high-profile international art biennales and triennials that take place in various cities worldwide, the Annuale is a festival embracing Edinburgh galleries and art projects -- especially those that promote local activity in the visual arts.
Subverting Edinburgh's role of international arts host, the Annuale promotes grass-roots visual arts operations and encourages visitors to experience art in Edinburgh as it emerges.
The Annuale programme includes publication launches, live events and exhibitions. The first Edinburgh Annuale took place in August 2004 and included exhibtions at five artist-run projects: the Embassy, Wuthering Heights, Magnifitat, Totalkunst and Aurora.
The festival now includes more than 15 events and exhibitions and benefits from some financial support of the Scottish Arts Council.

"Edinburgh community culture's grassroots manifesto..."
- Flash Art

"A fast-paced, freewheeling art festival that feels, truly, like a festival..."
- The Map

"Edinburgh Art Festival's own thriving fringe has grown from strength to strength..."
- The Scotsman