18 November, 2008
Fringe benefits in time for Xmas
Father Fringe-mas dipped into his Santa Sack this week and doled out a smidge under $50,000 to New Zealand artists and
entertainers for a very merry creative Christmas.
A total of $49,294.97 was distributed to 33 participants for the 2009 New Zealand Fringe Festival, from 38 applicants
for the Kakano funding initiative. A total of $71,557 was applied for.
Fringe 09 also announced that it has surpassed last year's bumper crop of 100 entries, drawing 105 eager beavers to line
up for the 2009 festival.
The Kakano Fund was established in conjunction with Creative New Zealand to provide a foundation for the development of
new work by New Zealand artists participating in the New Zealand Fringe Festival.
Fringe 09 director Mark Westerby said that while he'd barely recovered from last Christmas, he was pleased to kick start
the festive season for many Fringe 09 participants.
"What a pleasure it is to dole out the dosh for the nice and naughty," said Mr Westerby. "Fringe 09 is a scintillating
Santa Sack of creative goodness and it's the biggest sleigh-full of arts and entertainment we've had for Fringe in many
years.
"From the most heavenly arts to the most sinful entertainment, we're looking forward to a most fantastic Fringe for
2009."
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