Libs won’t match Labor promise to give Fringe extra $8m

Fringe director Heather Croall broke down during an emotional plea to secure more funding for The Fringe as the event faces another year in the midst of the global pandemic.

Fringe director Heather Croall broke down during an emotional plea to secure more funding for the event as Premier Steven Marshall said his government would not match Labor’s promise to give the festival an extra $8m.

“We have been fighting through this pandemic so hard to make sure we can give money to artists and venues to make sure that South Australia can get the festival they want,” she said, pausing to hold back tears.

“I’m sorry, because it is a heartfelt battle that we have been driving and I am absolutely passionate.

“I truly believe that the Adelaide Fringe is the jewel in the crown in this state, and it needs the funding to double down so that we can disperse that money to artists and venues who are taking the risk every year.”

Fringe Director Heather Croall broke down at a press conference on Thursday. Picture: 9 NEWS

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas announced Labor’s plan to almost double the event’s funding with an extra $2m for each of the next four years, on top of its baseline $2.4m annual operating grant, just before the Premier’s own press conference to open the Fringe on Thursday morning.

Mr Marshall said the Liberal Party had no plan to increase the Fringe’s funding “at this stage”.

“We have very significantly increased the expenditure going to the Fringe since coming to government,” Mr Marshall said.

“In the previous term of Labor, they spent $7.17m supporting Fringe – we’ve driven that up to $11.58m over our four years.”

Last October, the state government gave the 2022 Fringe an extra $1.45m, which included $600,000 to support Covid-safe operations, $500,000 in grants to support SA artists and $350,000 for the drone event Sky Song.

“This year, we are looking at a range of supports that will make sure that we essentially underwrite the Fringe, to make sure it can get through this difficult period,” Mr Marshall said.

Earlier, Mr Malinauskas was joined by Fringe administrators to announce its $8m plan to help present a headline “anchor” event each year, market the festival to interstate and overseas visitors, and boost its grant program for new and emerging local artists.

“We know how inspiring and entertaining our Adelaide Fringe is – and we want the rest of the world to know as well,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“If elected, Labor’s plan is to really elevate this festival and bring Adelaide and the Fringe into the global spotlight.”

Labor’s pledge matches the recommendations of a study commissioned by the Fringe from consultants PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) which was released in August.

Originally published as Libs won’t match Labor promise to give Fringe extra $8m