The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will receive £500,000 to help support ongoing digital transformation work, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.
The funding will ensure the Fringe Society can continue its work supporting Scottish artists and the sector, while promoting international opportunities for artists at the Fringe.
Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government has an ongoing commitment to safeguard the future of the Edinburgh Fringe and support it to flourish, built on the principle of free access for all.
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of the Fringe next year, this investment will provide a foundation to expand its global reach and the ongoing work with organisations who play an important role in making the Fringe the annual success it is.”
Tony Lankester, the society’s chief executive, said the funding “will go a long way to shoring up our resilience”.
He said it will build previous government investment, including £300,000 last year. “The Society’s work in future-proofing the Fringe with world-class digital and data infrastructure is a critical imperative.
“With this foundation, these ambitions can be more readily realised and the future more secure.
“We’ve made giant strides over the last year and this announcement helps us build on that work, delivering even more for the Fringe community, ensuring the festival remains a jewel in Scotland’s creative crown.”
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