The 2020 Fringe may have been cancelled but hope runs high for 2021 with the launch of a campaign called Fringemas Fundraiser that aims to raise £25,000 by the 17th December 2020 for the charity.
The money will allow the organisation to help bring back the festival in 2021; support artists and other participants to ensure they come back stronger in 2021; provide information and assistance to audiences; continue their work in strengthening the Fringe’s accessibility and diversity and help to keep connecting young people in Edinburgh with the arts.
As is the way with Crowdfunding, supporters will receive some festive rewards in return for donating such as a trio of Fringe Christmas baubles. On a bigger scale is a limited-edition Hamilton poster signed by creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who performed at the 2005 Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Assembly; a signed book from comedian and author Adam Kay, who had a sell -out run at the Playhouse in 2019; a signed CD from Fringe stalwart and musician Camille O’Sullivan who has been a festival favourite since 2004; a signed book from comedian and fellow Playhouse alumni Joe Lycett and a script signed by performer Richard Gadd, whose Fringe First-winning Baby Reindeer appeared at Summerhall.
With thousands of artists, venues and creatives relying on this important festival every year, the Fringe Society, a charity that was established by artists to act as the custodian of the Fringe, is doing its best to help ensure the Fringe not only survives but stabilises and strengthens. Based on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Society has a full-time team of just over 30 people, who work year-round to assist all the artists and audiences who make up the world’s greatest arts festival.
Details on Crowdfunder / Fringemas Fundraiser website.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 