Funding to develop one of Scotland's signature events.
Deputy First Minister has announced new funding to
support the world's largest performing arts festival.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will receive £300,000 from
the Scottish Government in 2025-26 to help grow the significant
benefits the Fringe delivers for Scotland's economy, society and
culture sector.
The funding will enable work in two areas agreed between the
Scottish Government and the Fringe Society, firstly to develop
the capabilities of the Society's data and digital infrastructure
to make it more accessible for artists, audiences and venues.
Secondly, it will fund work to explore how the Scottish
Government and the Fringe Society can help Scottish artists and
the sector as a whole capitalise on international opportunities,
by targeting agreed priority countries and regions.
Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary said:
“The Fringe is one of Scotland's signature events. From humble
beginnings in 1947, it has grown to become the world's largest
performing arts festival, making it a significant economic
contributor to Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole.
“This agreement recognises firstly, that the Fringe Society does
not neatly fit into the funding streams available to other
culture organisations. Secondly, that there is ample opportunity
for the Fringe Society to work more closely with all the other
organisations who play an important role in making the Fringe the
annual success that it is.
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with the Fringe
Society and all partners who deliver, it to help safeguard the
future of the Edinburgh Fringe as a world leading cultural asset,
built on the principle of free access for all.”
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Society said:
“We welcome this new funding and thank the Scottish Government
for recognising the unique position that the Fringe Society has.
This will undoubtedly contribute greatly to Scotland's economy,
society and culture sector and we hope that this is a first step
towards long-term funding for the Fringe Society.
“It is vital that the Fringe Society can continue to provide much
needed core services to the thousands of artists who come to the
festival every year and who recognise it as a global marketplace
and expo. A sustainable Fringe Society can use its convening role
to unlock support for the wider Fringe from the imminent visitor
Levy.
“We look forward to working with and the Scottish Government on
developing a long-term sustainable funding model, and welcome
this investment into both digital infrastructure and
international opportunities.”
