Sign In / Register

Resources

Your council can actively participate in the Adelaide Fringe, supporting both artists and venues while enriching your local community. This resource will walk you through various ways to get involved, offering practical tips and insights to make your Fringe experience a success.

Contents

Introduction to Adelaide Fringe for Councils

The Adelaide Fringe transforms South Australia for 31 vibrant days and nights throughout February and March each year. It is a significant cultural event that brings communities together and offers substantial economic benefits to the region and a significant portion of Fringe activity occurs outside the CBD.

While registering council-run venues and programming community shows are excellent ways to get involved, they are not the only avenues for participation. Your level of involvement is flexible, and every contribution makes a difference.

Regarding registration fees for shows and venues:

  • Venue registration is free.
  • Show registration ranges from $210 to $395.

Read Council Magazine

Councils provide key support to their communities year-round, Fringe just adds an extra dimension for you to explore, so have a read through or download your copy of Council Magazine for all the tips, tricks, and everything you need to know about becoming a Fringe Venue for the upcoming festival season! 

How to Support Fringe in Your Area

Councils provide essential support to their communities throughout the year, and the Fringe simply adds another exciting dimension to explore. By encouraging participation in the festival, your council can:

  • Develop your area's unique character and showcase local attractions.
  • Create a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the community long after the festival concludes.
  • Transform your area into a creative hub, contributing to overall growth and development.
  • Foster a stronger sense of community by supporting local artists, shows, and venues, promoting a robust year-round network.

How Councils Can Help Local Venues

Activating local venues for the Fringe season is a fantastic way to engage. Here's how your council can assist:

  • Provide grants to help "Fringeify" local venues with items like decals, decorations, and promotional materials.
  • Promote venues through your media and marketing channels.
  • Organise an Adelaide Fringe information session for your local council and venues.
  • Register your council-run venues as Fringe venues.

How Councils Can Help Artists

Artists often face barriers such as access to resources, community connections, and the cost of production. Your council can help alleviate these challenges:

  • Waive street performer or busking license fees.
  • Offer a subsidy for Adelaide Fringe show registration fees.
  • Provide free promotion of shows through your communication channels, including EDM's, Facebook, website, and digital and print displays.
  • Offer free or discounted venue hire at your council-run venues.
  • If your area is difficult to access, consider offering travel and accommodation packages.

Ways You Can Activate Your Community

Beyond direct support, consider these approaches to involve your community:

  • Create a Fringe hub in your area (more details on page 4 of the source document).
  • Inform residents that your council is actively bringing Fringe to them through your various communication channels.
  • Develop a council-specific programme or Fringe magazine for your area.
  • Issue a call out to local venues and artists, expressing your interest in hearing from them and offering assistance.

Creating a Fringe Hub in Your Area

While direct funding and in-kind support are crucial, these steps can further stimulate your local creative economy, add sparkle for residents, and ensure a successful Fringe in your area.

  1. Get the Local Community Involved: Engage local cafes, bars, hotels, galleries, sporting clubs, and community groups to collaborate during Fringe season. You can also host information sessions where the Fringe team can present on how local businesses and creatives can work together.
  2. Create a Council X Fringe Brand: Consider giving your area its own Fringe name, such as "Murray Bridge Fringe" or "Fringe in the Vale," for shows and venues to use.
  3. Consider Local Maps/Programmes: Create a printed or digital programme or map to distribute to your community. The Artists & Venues team can provide you with a list of show details (names, dates, times, venues, and ticket prices) in your area. You can book a 1-on-1 meeting with the Artist & Venue team for assistance.
  4. Engage Local Artists: Contact artists registered in your area to express your excitement about their participation and ask how your council can assist. If you're unsure how to connect with artists, refer to previous Printed Adelaide Fringe Guides for a starting point.
  5. Get the Message Out: Utilise your marketing and communication channels to share Fringe activities in your area. This includes social media, listing shows on your website and events calendar, putting up posters, informing local newspapers or radio stations, and even having the Mayor discuss Fringe's presence in town.
  6. Never Fear - Fringe is Here: Don't hesitate to lean on the Fringe team. They are available year-round to provide advice, support, and help with anything you need to participate in Adelaide Fringe.

How Fringe Can Help You

Adelaide Fringe is dedicated to supporting your council's success every step of the way. Here's how we can assist:

Artists & Venues Support

  • Ongoing support throughout the year.
  • Assistance with registration processes and resource navigation.
  • "Meet the Venues" event.
  • Professional Development opportunities.
  • Free Adelaide Fringe Info Sessions (bookings required).
  • One-on-one online support sessions.

Ticketing Support

  • Ongoing support for all ticketing-related matters.
  • Reporting and data collection.
  • Ticketing resources and guidance.

Marketing Support

  • Phone consultations (bookings required).
  • Free marketing resources.
  • Assistance with "Fringe-ifying" your buildings or area.
  • Advertising and digital marketing packages available.

Summary

  • Adelaide Fringe offers diverse participation opportunities for councils, extending beyond venue registration to include community engagement and artist support.
  • Councils can empower artists by reducing costs, promoting shows, and offering accessible venues.
  • Creating a dedicated "Fringe Hub" with community involvement, branding, and local programming can significantly enhance the festival experience.
  • The Adelaide Fringe team provides year-round support, including assistance with artist and venue processes, ticketing, and marketing.

Additional Resources