AusLeisure

The Adelaide Fringe has announced its 2018 program, its largest yet, with 1223 events being planned.

Around 6000 artists will present a broad range of works across genres at what is Australia’s largest arts festival including 338 comedy shows, 260 music events, 132 theatre productions, 128 cabaret shows, 98 children’s events, 73 visual arts and design exhibitions, 64 special events, 36 circus/physical theatre events, 33 dance shows, 26 interactive events, 22 magic shows and 13 film and digital events.

Of the 442 venues hosting festival attractions, the National Wine Centre, Plant 4 Bowden and Percy Court Studio are among the 144 newcomers hosting Fringe events.

A variety of Fringe ‘hubs’ will span across suburban and regional Adelaide – from Gawler to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Mount Gambier to Whyalla, while Kangaroo Island has also jumped on board for the first time.

Adelaide Fringe Director and Chief Executive Heather Croall said the 2018 Fringe would be more inclusive than ever before.

Croall explained “it’s always so exciting to see the amazing level of diversity in the Adelaide Fringe program - there’s practically no stone left unturned and no topic that isn’t being explored in some way.

“Next year’s Fringe boasts a smorgasbord of unique experiences in unexpected places, from sipping tea with grandma in a caravan to a séance in a shipping container and speed dating on a ferris wheel.

“The festival is also full of shows that address issues such as mental health, disability and gender politics, and tell inspiring stories from artists who bravely put themselves in front of our festival audiences.”

Arts accessibility will be a major focus for next year’s festival with the return of the Street Art Explosion program and the introduction of the Friends of the Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund initiative, which uses money raised from Fringe patrons to provide free show tickets to disadvantaged children.

South Australian Premier and Arts Minister Jay Weatherill said the 2018 Adelaide Fringe would be Australia’s most affordable Fringe festival for artists to participate in.

Premier Weatherill stated “in a national first, the State Government has invested nearly $1 million in this year’s Fringe to offset fees for artists, which means that we are even better positioned to attract top acts and performers from around the world.

“As a result, festival-goers will enjoy reduced ticket prices which means they can see even more artists, with ticket sales this year likely to be the strongest yet.”

Adelaide Fringe Chair David Minear said the festival was always a major self-esteem boost for South Australia, adding “to be Australia’s largest arts festival and the second biggest Fringe in the world doesn’t happen by chance.

“We are fortunate to have considerable ongoing support from the State Government, Adelaide City Council, our Principal Partner BankSA and many others.”

The 2018 Adelaide Fringe will switch on from Friday 16th February with a street party and Parade of Light projections including the Australian premiere of Borealis, Swiss artist Dan Acher’s recreation of the Northern Lights. The festival will then run until 18th March.

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