Adelaide Fringe has consolidated its status as the leading arts festival in Australia delivering a massive economic expenditure within the State of South Australia of $64.6 million.
The $64.6 million figure is a 34 % increase on the previous year ($48.2 million) with over 1.8 million people attending this year’s festivities, an increase of 13 %. 407,153 tickets were sold, a 10.9 % increase on 2012’s 367,000.
Based on ticket sales, overall attendances, food and beverage consumption, transport and accommodation, the economic boost that Adelaide Fringe generates is incomparable.
Adelaide Fringe Chair Judy Potter said “Adelaide Fringe’s extraordinary growth in 2013 confirmed its status as one of the most popular and diverse arts festival in Australia.”
“Many factors contributed to this year’s success including great shows, brilliant venues, unique free events, an increase in interstate visitors and the love of the event by audiences, and artists.”
Ms. Potter acknowledged that the Government of South Australia’s increased and ongoing support enabled the Fringe to become a 4 week event.” She added that support from the SA Tourism Commission for Paul McDermott to become the inaugural 2013 Fringe Ambassador, also ensured the event received excellent media coverage throughout Australia.
Minister Assisting Minister for the Arts Chloe Fox said, “The South Australian Government is proud to support the Adelaide Fringe. Our decision to increase the Festival’s core funding this year enabled the open access festival to run for an additional week and became the most successful Fringe to date.”
Total estimated bed nights created from interstate and overseas audiences and artists increased to over 52,000, a 18% increase on 2012’s 44,000 bed nights.
Fringe Director Greg Clarke said “we knew the figure was going to be impressive but no one could have predicted just how impressive. The power and broad appeal of this amazing festival continually amazes us all,”
Mr Clarke added “This year‘s wealth of talent was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before, from both returning Fringe artists and those performing and exhibiting for the first time. Thank you to everyone that worked so hard to make Adelaide Fringe 2013 so successful and to the hundreds of thousands of Fringe goers that continue to embrace this festival which truly boasts something for everyone.”
An independent company ‘Economic Research Consultants’ determined the economic expenditure figures based on FringeTIX sales information, audience attendances to free and ticketed events, and a survey of over 3000 Fringe participants and audiences.
BankSA Managing Director Jane Kittel said the bank had been a proud sponsor of the Fringe since 2006 and recognises the boost it brings to SA and especially to small business and the arts industry.
“Earlier this year I was delighted to announce that we have committed to be the principal partner for another four years until 2017. It’s a significant partnership for both our organisations and importantly for the community, so we were truly delighted to be able to make this extended commitment,” Ms Kittel said.
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