THE fringe festival has long been celebrated as being the place for alternative artists who don’t quite fit in the same box as everyone else.
And the truth is, the Fringe Festival may not be for everyone.
But as CEO of Melbourne’s Fringe Simon Abrahams says: “It is for anybody who wants to be a part of it.”
The festival has a long history of supporting local and emerging artists, and helping them to perform for audiences both metro and rural.
This year even saw the iconic celebration of all things art break the monumental record of being the first Australian festival to sell 1m tickets.
I’ve been reporting on the northern suburb’s art scene since I was fresh out of high school, and I’ve been attending local gigs quite possibly since I could walk.
Playford has a massive selection of local talent, from every genre of music imaginable to dancers, poets and writers.
But the word ‘Fringe’ was barely whispered in Playford during the four weeks of celebration.
Of course we saw a wonderful performance held at Shedley theatre by ‘The 60 Four’, but surely we cannot compare one single performance to the vast array Gawler had throughout the season.
It breaks my heart to see such talent wasted for another year, with Playford once again abandoning our many arts and entertainment venues.
Our city lights were turned off during the one month that is known to attract the most audiences, and our musos, artists and writers are crying out for their chance to perform with the rest of the state.
The arts sector has proven themselves again and again to be worth council’s time, with Elizabeth arts venue the Northern Sound System making massive waves at this year’s WOMADelaide music festival.
I spent the week asking council why the Fringe was once again ignored this year, and I’ve been met with “but we have events other times of the year?”
We talk about supporting our “thriving cultural sector”, but sure seem to be leaving our most impressive talents behind.
