Fringe 2010: We're back and open for business

September 24, 2009

Fringe 2010: We're back and open for business

It's fun living on the Fringe. To be sure, a little less fun when the dollars dry up and the credit crisis gives us the crunch, but when life gives you lemons what do you do? Make lemonade, of course.

Making Fringe-flavoured lemonade is just one of the novel approaches being considered to get the good Fringe ship sailing for 2010, but mark our words: no stone will be left unturned, no door won't be knocked and no metaphor will be left unmixed for the 20th anniversary New Zealand Fringe Festival – even if it includes hocking off the Fringe team that was appointed this week.

The Fringe Arts Trust today announced that following a winter where the future of Fringe was in doubt that the 2010 festival will take off on February 12, 2010 and conclude with the Fringe Awards ceremony on March 7.

The Fringe Arts Trust this week appointed its team to drive Fringe 2010, with Zelda Edwards (festival manager), Phil Reed (publicity and marketing) and Mary Laine (festival coordinator) returning to the fold in expanded roles from last year.

Fringe Arts Trust chair Miranda Clayton said that it had been a hard year but there never really was any doubt that the people wanted Fringe, and so they will get it.

"We're back baby, and we're open for business," she said. "And by business, we mean that we're hungry, lean and ready to provide a Fringe Festival that will be full on.

"Behind the scenes we've taken a close look at how we can streamline our costs and still provide a Fringe-tastic service. It'll be as big as previous years – and yes, the printed programme is back."

Last year the Fringe had to turn to an online-only programme as a response to budget cutbacks. "Our bad," said Miranda. "But it was good to be reminded of the huge community interest in the Fringe programme, so we expect this year's printed programme to be hot advertising property – so who out there wants to sponsor it?.

"So, we still need money. We'll be hitting up anyone and everyone to get on board with Fringe 2010 and beyond. We'll consider everything, even to the point of auctioning off our staff if need be. Zelda's right arm goes for a premium $5000, while publicist Phil Reed's liver is at the bargain basement price of $350 – damaged goods.

"But in the meantime we're super grateful to the Wellington City Council, Creative NZ, Springload and Creature Design for jumping on board for 2010."

Key Fringe 2010 dates
October 2: Kakano Funding applications close at 5pm
October 14: Kakano funding applicants announced
October 16: Fringe registrations close at 5pm
February 12: Fringe 2010 launches
March 7: Fringe Awards and festival ends

ends

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