Stuart WoodThe UK government has announced it will provide £100,000 of funding to promote new talent at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The funding will help identify new talent and promote them, both nationally and internationally.
Money will be invested in technology and digital resources for artists, including a streamlined accreditation and ticket request system, as well as developing the edfringe.com website and Arts Industry app.
It will also help artists extend the lifespan of Fringe productions by recruiting arts industry brokers to help take shows across the UK and overseas, as well as supporting the opening of ‘Fringe Home’, a year-round space for arts businesses and events in Edinburgh.
The funding was announced by Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State for digital, culture, media and sport. He commented: “The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is an annual showcase of creativity and a global marketplace for emerging talent.
“It has launched the careers of some of the UK’s finest writers and performers and we want to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength, helping to break new acts here and across the globe.
“This funding will help the Fringe increase its digital capability, making it even easier for visitors to this world-class event to enjoy everything it has to offer.”
Since its launch in 1947, the Fringe has become the largest arts market in the world, with a rich history of discovering new talent – including writers, actors, directors, producers, programmers, designers and technicians who have gone on to fuel the UK’s creative industries.
In 2017, it was home to almost 3,400 shows, from 62 countries, with approximately 75% of artists and shows from the UK. It is expected to attract a similar number this year.