Adelaide Fringe launches 24-hour pay-it-forward drive
On Tuesday the Adelaide Fringe will launch its annual Giving Day, which seeks to distribute 10,000 free tickets to disadvantaged communities.
For the third year running the Adelaide Fringe is calling on ticket-buyers and supporters to chip for its 24-hour fundraising drive, Giving Day. An initiative of the Adelaide Fringe Foundation, Arts Unlimited, the campaign aims to bring the excitement of the festival within reach of many members of the community who might otherwise miss out.
Lutheran Care volunteer Wafa shared how the initiative made the festival accessible to her — while she’d long avoided crowded places after a traumatic incident in her past, she tentatively accepted tickets from the Fringe Community Fund.
“When I went, it was an amazing experience for me and for my family,” she said.
“At the (Fringe) show, when I was watching my daughter dancing and the music was from my roots, I felt like I’m in Algeria, in my country … it was my first time seeing my kids enjoying like that with the music.
“From that I started to go to festivals and try new things here in Australia.”
You might like
The arts have also proven to be a vital lifeline for young people facing serious health challenges.
Canteen Programs Officer Felix Jozeps said the program was truly “life-changing” for young people impacted by cancer.
“The arts provide a sense of escape, joy, and connection, which is incredibly valuable for the people in our community, at a challenging time in their lives,” he said.
Adelaide Fringe. Photo: Aaron Walker / Supplied
Subscribe for updates
“With (the public’s) support this Giving Day, more young people can take a break from their challenges and immerse themselves in the arts.
“We are so grateful for this initiative and the generosity of those who support it.”
Adelaide Fringe Foundation Chair David Pearson said Giving Day was more than just a fundraiser.
“It’s a movement,” he said. “The impact of a single donation goes beyond a ticket — it creates life-changing arts experiences that inspire, uplift, and bring people together.”
Last year’s Giving Day saw more than $100,000 raised to provide 6,000 free tickets.
Donations up to $80,000 made on Tuesday will be matched by corporate partners, including Lumo Energy, Toyota, MGA Whittles Community Foundation, Lutheran Care and Health Partners.
To contribute to Arts Unlimited, visit adelaidefringe.com.au/giving-day.
This story is part of a series of articles being produced by InReview with the support of Adelaide Fringe