Cara Blackhall reports on the Fleabag star’s fund for the Edinburgh Fringe...

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has launched the Keep it Fringe fund which is being led by Fringe Society President Phoebe Waller-Bridge. 

The fund is a new initiative being put in place to support Fringe artists and is being supported by the Fleabag for Charity campaign.  

Fifty bursaries of £2,000 will be distributed to individual artists or companies bringing work to the Fringe in 2023. 

Honorary President, Phoebe Waller-Bridge said: “For a creative, the festival is one of the most unique places on the planet to launch work, meet other artists and be discovered by audiences, agents, producers, and the media.  

“For me, today’s announcement is incredibly personal.  

“Edinburgh Fringe gave Fleabag a game-changing platform for everyone involved and we are thrilled that the show can continue to pay it forward to the creatives of tomorrow and contribute to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take their work to this amazing festival.”  

In June 2022, The Festival Fringe Society launched the Fringe’s Future Development Goals, with new commitments and targets created.  

The announcement today will support Fringe artists who face the greatest barriers.  

The fund has been set out to protect artists’ prospects, by removing some of the growing barriers to performing and is rooted in society’s vision to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat.  

Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy said: “We recognise how difficult the last few years have been for the cultural sector, and today’s announcement is a very direct way for us to give some support for artists performing at this year’s Fringe.  

“We are massively grateful to Phoebe, and all our donors, for their generosity and ongoing support of the work of the Fringe Society. 

“This fund is a first step in what we hope to be an ongoing opportunity for Fringe artists.”