Fringe 09 takes on the Web for the People

December 18, 2008
Fringe 09 takes on the Web for the People

Fringe 09 moves with the times with its new web-based programme package. It has embraced new technology to get the programme out to the people, in the form of a comprehensive web and mobile-based service.

By partnering with MySpace and building on our existing relationships with mobile specialists Afid Mobile, web experts Springload and designers Creature, Fringe 09 will offer multimedia programme information that features film, audio and up-to-the-minute information.

The amount of information available to the community about each show will increase dramatically over what can be offered by a printed booklet.

The Fringe Arts Trust chairperson, Miranda Clayton, said the decision reflected the need to work smarter with limited resources, be sustainable, innovative and effective.

"By embracing new and sustainable ways of communicating we can provide a far richer source of information, from video clips, instant reviews from the public, last minute changes and extended biographies and backgrounders,” Miss Clayton said.

"It's an exciting initiative for us and one that is right for Fringe – we're a festival that loves doing it different, and our 2009 line-up of 108 productions will be superb examples of the artistic innovation that Fringe embodies.

"We are also very mindful of our overarching principles of open-access. This means anyone can put on a Fringe show, but also means that anyone can get information about Fringe even if they don't have access to the internet or a mobile.

“We’ll be ensuring the Fringe website www.fringe.co.nz is freely available from select internet terminals across the city and we'll be providing a free personalised programme service at the Fringe HQ to be located on Wellington's Courtenay Place,” Miss Clayton said.

The Fringe 09 programme will be launched at a special event to be held January 15 2009, featuring preview performances from selected Fringe 09 productions.

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.

ENDS

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