The 2023 Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund Grant Recipients have been announced with a significant number of grants allocated to emerging and First Nations artists. 

This year’s Artist Fund has been fuelled by donations to the Adelaide Fringe Foundation, including funds raised by the Adelaide Fringe Donor Circle and increased support from the State Government following an election commitment by the Malinauskas Government. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund has distributed more than 300 grants to artists. In 2023, an additional 150+ grants totalling $750,000 have been provided to artists. 

Of the grants being awarded this year, 17% of shows self-identify as having cast and creatives that are First Nations, 39% are culturally and linguistically diverse, and 44% are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Within this allocation, 59% of Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund Grant Recipients will present artists shows that are world premiers with 73% of the grants going to emerging artists. 

Director and CEO of Adelaide Fringe Heather Croall said, “It’s an absolute privilege to financially assist artists to participate in Adelaide Fringe. These grants are so impactful - they alleviate the financial pressure that can be associated with producing a show, and give artists the confidence to stage a show that might otherwise not be possible.” 

“The significant increase in the number of grants we are able to distribute for the 2023 season of Adelaide Fringe is thanks to the Donor Circle and the additional funding received from the Malinauskas State Government. The artists are still taking huge risks even with a grant secured so we encourage everyone to book lots of Fringe tickets once the program launches in December,” said Heather.

Karina Schiller, Artist Fund Grant Recipient from 2022, said, “The Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund Grant made touring our new show 'BOOP' possible for our emerging circus company. Without these funds we would not have been able to get to the festival. The experience we gained and the lessons we learnt by doing a season at Adelaide Fringe was invaluable.”