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Event registrations open for 2021 ‘Fringe with a difference’

Almost 100 venues have already registered for next year’s Adelaide Fringe, with plans underway for COVID-safe events including open-air and promenade performances, says director and CEO Heather Croall.

Sep 01, 2020, updated Sep 01, 2020
Fringe show Rouge - artists are being encouraged to fire up  for 2021. Photo: Shaun Higgins

Fringe show Rouge - artists are being encouraged to fire up for 2021. Photo: Shaun Higgins

As event registrations for the 2021 Fringe open today, Croall acknowledged that the festival would look different in 2021.

Travel restrictions and social distancing rules are both likely to impact the program, but she said organisers would work with artists and venues to help them prepare for the February 19 to March 21 event within COVID-19 restrictions.

“We’re excited to see the ways that Fringe artists embrace the option of online streaming alongside traditional live events in venues,” she said.

“The brilliant creative entrepreneurs involved in Fringe are inventive, and they are always thinking of new ways to present performances.

“Many plans for COVID-safe events are underway; outdoor amphitheatres, promenade or open-air performances that allow social distancing across larger areas… it will be Fringe with a difference.

“Most importantly there will be a Fringe for the people of South Australia.”

While it seems doubtful there will be many international acts on the 2021 program, Croall has said previously that most years around 80 per cent of Fringe acts are Australian.

In early July, Fringe revealed it was seeking almost $1 million in additional funding from the State Government to help it meet the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The request was made after a survey by the open-access festival showed the top request from artists and venues was that it lower fees so it was cheaper for them to take part in next year’s event, with most having had no income since the pandemic shutdown began.

Croall told InDaily today that Fringe was “still in discussions with the SA Government regarding details on any potential additional funding support”.

Meanwhile, it has implemented the option for artists to delay part payment of event registration fees until settlement of box office at the end of their Fringe season. 

The deadline to register Fringe events for 2021 is Wednesday, November 4, with details available here.

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