Feedback exercise following festival criticisms

Organisers of the Edinburgh Fringe are embarking on their biggest survey of participants ‘in years’ in the face of increasing concern about the cost of participating.

The feedback drive will also look at the contradictory fears that the festival has become too large and unsustainable in recent years.– although 2022’s event was smaller than 2019’s.

Meanwhile the Fringe Society itself has come under fire from participants, particularly following its decision to withdraw the app this year – a move made without telling any of the performers or producers taking part.

Now the society is seeking input from artists, audiences, venues, producers, workers, community groups arts industry delegates, and those with access needs over the next fortnight

The Fringe has stated that it has six main aims for the future: supporting fair work, removing barriers, creatng a sense of good citizenship, supporting net zero ambitions and ensuring a world-class digital experience. 

Society chief executive Shona McCarthy, pictured, said: 'This year’s Festival was the first step on the road to recovery and we know the biggest challenge is the next three years. 

‘It’s important that we gather evidence and case studies from our Fringe participants so that we can ensure the Society is armed with the facts and best equipped to make the case for where improvements can be made in advance of Fringe 2023. 

‘We encourage everyone to take time to complete the survey specific to them and to provide as much information as they can.

The surveys being undertaken are:

Artists:

• The cost of accommodation for Fringe participants was one of the main issues raised at this year’s Fringe and the society have a survey dedicated to this issue.
• The main artists’ survey is open to anyone who considers their self a Fringe participant.  It covers topics such as the absence of a Fringe app, the programme and more, and has been sent to registered artists from the past three Fringes.

Audiences:

• Covering topics such as e-ticketing, the Fringe programme, the app and more.  This survey is open to anyone who considers their self an audience member.

Venues and venue staff:

• A survey is being sent to all registered venues about  topics, including accommodation and accessibility, as well as the services offered by the Fringe Society.

Workers at Fringe:

• The society has pledged to run a venue workers’ survey every two years to try to ensure they are treated fairly.

Media and arts industry:

• Fringe 2022 accredited media are being asked about their experience this August and what improvements can be made.  The Society are also asking if accommodation is a barrier to reviewing the Fringe in 2023. It paid for a number of reviewers to be at this year’s festival but not from key media such as The Scotsman or Chortle.
• Registered arts industry delegates are being asked for feedback to  help inform what Fringe Central, the participant hub, will look like in 2023.
• The society are conducting feedback sessions with various arts industry groups.

Edinburgh communities:

• The society is liaising with the Fringe Days Out partner organisations to collect feedback from this year, and ideas for 2023.
• The society is also contacting those who booked tickets through the Children and Young People ticketing scheme, as well as artists who contributed, to find out how things went this year and what improvements can be made for next Fringe.

Published: 28 Sep 2022