Fringe benefits in time for Xmas

18 November, 2008

Fringe benefits in time for Xmas

Father Fringe-mas dipped into his Santa Sack this week and doled out a smidge under $50,000 to New Zealand artists and entertainers for a very merry creative Christmas.

A total of $49,294.97 was distributed to 33 participants for the 2009 New Zealand Fringe Festival, from 38 applicants for the Kakano funding initiative. A total of $71,557 was applied for.

Fringe 09 also announced that it has surpassed last year's bumper crop of 100 entries, drawing 105 eager beavers to line up for the 2009 festival.

The Kakano Fund was established in conjunction with Creative New Zealand to provide a foundation for the development of new work by New Zealand artists participating in the New Zealand Fringe Festival.

Fringe 09 director Mark Westerby said that while he'd barely recovered from last Christmas, he was pleased to kick start the festive season for many Fringe 09 participants.

"What a pleasure it is to dole out the dosh for the nice and naughty," said Mr Westerby. "Fringe 09 is a scintillating Santa Sack of creative goodness and it's the biggest sleigh-full of arts and entertainment we've had for Fringe in many years.

"From the most heavenly arts to the most sinful entertainment, we're looking forward to a most fantastic Fringe for 2009."

The New Zealand Fringe Festival 2009 commences on February 6 2009 and concludes March 1. Visit www.fringe.co.nz for more information and further announcements about the Fringe 09 line up.

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