The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has unveiled details of its alternative digital plans including a Crowdfunder partnership to help struggling creatives and venues fill the void left by the cancelled event.
With no imminent signs of the Scottish devolved government following England’s tentative steps back to live performances, any hope of salvaging some outdoor content for this year’s Fringe have all but evaporated.
In response to the absence of the vibrant world-famous annual celebration of theatre in all its forms, the Fringe Society has announced a central listing service that will help audiences find their way through a digital programme which will include live-streamed performances, access to archive material and community -focused events and support sessions.
Unveiling the artwork created for the programme for this year’s now cancelled live indoor and outdoor event, the Society also announced a series of digital activities including virtual shows, a festival-wide crowdfunding campaign, workshops, a new online arts industry platform and a virtual Fringe Central.
Commenting on the launch of this year’s digital Fringe activity, Shona McCarthy, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society chief executive, said: “It’s hard to imagine a summer without the Fringe. The explosion of creativity and community that the festival brings every year is unparalleled, and whilst we may not be able to provide a stage in Edinburgh in quite the same way this year, it feels hugely important that the spirit of this brilliant festival is kept alive.
“Little did we know way back in autumn, when we first started talking about this year’s programme artwork, how prescient the superhero theme would be today. We’re happy to be able to shine a spotlight on some of our Fringe heroes now, as we rally round to support the people that make your Fringe. On the other side of this, we’ll need them more than ever.
“The impact of Covid-19 has been devastating for the countless artists, audiences, venues, workers and small businesses that make this festival happen every year. The FringeMakers crowdfunding campaign is designed to support them, while the Fringe on a Friday live show and the Fringe Pick n Mix website aim to bring some much-needed joy to our devoted audiences both here in Scotland and all over the world.”
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society chair Professor Tim O’Shea added: “It’s been an extraordinarily difficult year and we still have real work to do to secure the future of the wider Fringe ecosystem. The partnership with Crowdfunder is an important step towards helping venues and artists raise vital funds that we know are needed to keep the Fringe alive.
“At its core the Fringe Society exists to support artists and we’re pleased to be able to offer so many different opportunities for arts professionals during this difficult time, from our online artist development programme, Fringe Central, to our dedicated Fringe Marketplace arts industry platform.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the partners, funders and supporters who have helped us to deliver this. Their support is invaluable during what has been a difficult time for the Fringe and the wider arts sector.”
Helen Page, group brand and marketing director at Virgin Money, said: “We’re proud to support the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society at what is an incredibly difficult time for the creative industries. Creating this brand-new digital Fringe is innovative and enables the community to come together at a time when social connections are needed more than ever. We look forward to joining the virtual shows and re-creating the Fringe spirit at home this year.”
A spokesperson for Johnnie Walker said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is such a vital part of the life and culture of the city for residents and visitors alike, and we are pleased to make our contribution along with other partners to keeping the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe alive during these challenging times.
“We will miss the incredible excitement, colour and vibrancy the Fringe brings to Edinburgh this summer, but it is wonderful to see the creativity and innovation of the virtual programme. We wish our friends at the Fringe the very best.”
Launched this week, the FringeMakers Crowdfunder campaign will support Fringe artists and venues hoping to raise vital funds in the absence of this year’s live event.
Through the FringeMakers platform, venues and artists will be able to register as part of a central Fringe campaign, paying no fees and keeping 100% of funds donated for their own cause. Participants can offer rewards for donation, including access to their own live-streamed shows, custom merchandise, and exclusive content.
Simon Walker, head of projects at Crowdfunder, commented: “Crowdfunder are delighted to partner with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in powering the FringeMakers crowdfunding platform. COVID-19 has dealt a particular challenge to the arts industry and we’re proud to be able to offer support to all the venues and performers with completely fee free fundraising on the platform.”
Crowdfunder has waived all fees for the project, and are providing participants with tailored support, including dedicated webinars, one-to-one training for Fringe artists and venues, and how to guides, to enable them to raise as much money as possible during the month of August.
The Fringe had been due to take place from 7-31 August 2020. For Further information on 2020’s virtual Edinburgh Fringe visit the website edfringe.com.
Angela Thomas
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