Phoebe Waller-Bridge launches new fund for Edinburgh Fringe artists
The ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund will support artists bringing work to Fringe 2023
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is launching the ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, a new initiative to support Fringe artists in 2023.
The £100k fund for artists is being led by Fringe Society President Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
It's supported by the Fleabag for Charity campaign, and funds donated to the Fringe Society through individual donors and in partnership with Edinburgh Gin, will distribute fifty bursaries of £2,000 which will be awarded to individual artists or companies bringing work to the Fringe in 2023.
The fund sets out to protect artists’ prospects, by removing some of the growing barriers to performing.
READ MORE: Forth on the Fringe returns for 2023!
Honorary President Phoebe Waller-Bridge said: ‘For a creative, the festival is one of the most unique places on the planet to launch work, meet other artists and be discovered by audiences, agents, producers and the media.
"For me, today’s announcement is incredibly personal. Edinburgh Fringe gave Fleabag a game-changing platform for everyone involved and we are thrilled that the show can continue to pay-it-forward to the creatives of tomorrow and contribute to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take their work to this amazing festival."
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: ‘We recognise how difficult the last few years have been for the cultural sector, and today’s announcement is a very direct way for us to give some support for artists performing at this year’s Fringe.
"We are massively grateful to Phoebe, and all our donors, for their generosity and ongoing support of the work of the Fringe Society.
"This fund is a first step in what we hope to be an ongoing opportunity for Fringe artists. We will be actively encouraging new donors and Fringe alumni to work with us through this simple initiative, to get support out quickly and effectively to give someone a stage."
What is the fund?
The total fund is £100,000, which will be made up of fifty awards of £2,000. These funds are designed to help artists on their Fringe 2023 journey and can be spent on any costs associated with their show.
The Fringe Society will award 100% of the fund up front and there will be no end-of-grant reporting required.
Who is the fund for?
The fund is for individual artists and companies bringing work to the Fringe in 2023. Eligibility Criteria:
• The show must be registered in the 2023 Fringe (registration will be confirmed before funds are paid, but does not have to be completed when you apply, and you can register anytime up to and during the Fringe);
• Be a UK based performer, or applying on behalf of a UK based performer;
• Be presenting live and in-person performance.
How do artists apply?
The application will ask the following questions:
• What is your show about? What stage are your plans at for Fringe 2023? (200 words)
• What will you spend your £2,000 Fringe 2023 fund on? (200 words)
• Tell us what you hope to achieve in Fringe 2023 and your ambitions for your show (200 words)
Applications open at 12 pm on 10th March 2023 and close at 12 pm on 24th March 2023.