After raising more than $160,000 last year and supporting over 10,400 people to attend Fringe, Giving Day is back with a bold new $200,000 target, focused on helping more children experience live performance for the first time.

To maximise impact, every donation made on Giving Day will be matched by generous partners, increasing the value of community support, including Lumo Energy, Health Partners, Lutheran Care and MGA Whittles Community Foundation.

Giving Day support goes directly to removing the real-world barriers that stop many children from attending live arts experiences, particularly the combined costs of tickets and transport. New for 2026 is Fringe Express, a dedicated bus designed to tackle the biggest barrier after tickets: getting there. Backed by Seven Network as Adelaide Fringe’s media partner, and donors Theo Maras and Bill Manos, Fringe Express will run for all four weeks of Fringe (Monday to Friday), with a goal of accommodating two school trips per day for students from Adelaide’s Category 1–4 schools. The initiative is also supported through in-kind contributions from Kanga Coachlines and Visualcom to help get the bus on the road and visible in the community.

On the morning of Giving Day, Fringe Express will bring a group of Fringe artists to Swallowcliffe School P-6 for a special incursion that brings Fringe to students, supported by Seven Network and donors Theo Maras and Bill Manos, with Cosi to MC.

Seven Network Managing Director Vikki Friscic said, “At Seven, we know the power of live performance to spark confidence, curiosity and connection. We’re proud to support Giving Day and the Fringe Express, helping more young people, especially those facing disadvantage, experience Adelaide Fringe often for the first time”.

Acting CEO Tara MacLeod said, “For many students, a visit to Adelaide Fringe is their very first experience of live performance and that moment of wonder can be truly life-changing. The Schools Equity Program helps ensure more young people, no matter their background or circumstances, can share in the joy of the arts, feel included, and see themselves as part of South Australia’s creative story.”

Teacher, Rachel Beavis from Melaleuca Park Primary School in Mount Gambier recently saw the impact firsthand when her Year 3 class received free tickets, supported by Adelaide Fringe Foundation donors, to see the 360-degree Dome documentary Cuttlefish: Colour & Camouflage as part of Immersive Worlds presented locally in their community in Mount Gambier.

“They were so excited that their parents didn’t have to pay. It reduced the stress and worry the children carry when they know their families can’t afford extra costs.”
Rachel Beavis, teacher at Melaleuca Park Primary School. 

Giving Day on Tuesday 24 February will directly fund tickets and transport so more South Australian students can experience live performance for the first time. With matched donations and initiatives like Fringe Express, every contribution turns into real seats in the audience, real moments of wonder, and real change for kids who would otherwise miss out.