Celtic Connections and is an integral and vibrant part of cultural life in Glasgow, with the economic impact on the city reaching £5.8 million in 2007. The festival actively promotes artistic links and cultural exchange across countries, reinforced by Showcase Scotland which brought 200 music industry delegates from 35 different countries to Scotland looking to book Scottish bands for festivals abroad in 2008. The 2008 festival opened with the Common Ground concert where many of the artists taking part in the event performed together. Donald Shaw, artistic director of the festival, spoke about the future of Celtic Connections as well as the
Traverse City Film Festival Free Movies at the Open Space: The second annual Traverse City Film Festival was held July 31 – August 6, 2006. Stanley Kubrick Tribute: Free Movies at the Open Space: The third annual festival was held July 31 – August 5, 2007. Free Movies at the Open Space: The fourth annual festival: July 29 – August 3, 2008. Special appearance by Madonna, on August 2, 2008, introducing her film "I Am Because We Are". Michigan Filmmaker Award went to Kurt Luedtke. Also world premiere for Religulous. Free Movies at the Open Space: The fifth annual festival was held from July