The Adelaide Fringe has officially launched a Cultural Fund that will provide financial assistance to Australian artists presenting their work in future Fringe festivals.
The aim of the Cultural Fund is to ensure there will always be daring and diverse contemporary work in the Adelaide Fringe that attracts new audiences and engages them in new and interesting ways.
As an open access arts festival, many independent artists self-present their own work in the Fringe using their own funds. They are creative entrepreneurs, not only creating the work but also taking the financial risk of presenting that work themselves.
Adelaide Fringe Chair Judy Potter said, “Many artists who perform in the Adelaide Fringe receive no funding. It is often the case that just a small amount of financial assistance can make all the difference.”
“By donating to the Adelaide Fringe Cultural Fund people will not only be helping artists create amazing work, they will be investing in the long-term future of an artist’s career.”
Theatre Director and Adelaide Fringe Board member Sam Haren, who presented some of his first works in the Fringe, said “Self-presenting in the Fringe got The Border Project’s work first seen which led to our work being programmed at the Sydney Theatre Company and the Adelaide Festival”.
The Adelaide Fringe Board has set aside funds to kick-start the Cultural Fund ensuring grants can be given to selected artists for the 2015 Adelaide Fringe. Three grants of $10,000 each will be awarded.
Monetary assistance provides artists with a raft of options meaning the potential provision of a director or dramaturge, creation of costumes and sets, venue and equipment hire, travel and marketing.
Applications for Adelaide Fringe Cultural Grants for artists presenting their work in the 2015 Adelaide Fringe will open on 1 April 2014. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Adelaide Fringe