Ending 'open access' will help cure Edinburgh's problems, says report

The Edinburgh Fringe should rethink its ‘open access’ policy and introduce more regulation, a new report has urged.

The festival also needs to move away from the ‘growth mindset’ that has made it the biggest event of its kind. according the study – which aims to find ways to make the Fringe more diverse, sustainable and fair.

On the open access principle, which means anyone can bring a show to Edinburgh if they can find somewhere to stage it, the Future Fringe report concludes: ‘The idea sounds great on paper. In practice, the steering board felt it limits the accessibility of the festival, creating a "pay-to-perform" landscape that is financially and emotionally taxing. A common set of standards could help ensure the festival is better, fairer and more sustainable.’

They added that the policy ‘leads to a lack of regulation across the festival landscape [which] serves the status-quo, and makes it difficult to achieve real progress.’

The report also criticises the way the Fringe Society, which oversees the programme, has little power to make decisions or be accountable for any changes as it remains firmly neutral about which shows are presented.

A number of campaigning arts groups compiled the report, which was funded by the University of Edinburgh.

It noted a number of problems with the festival, including that it is less accessible to some participants and audiences based on factors such as ethnicity, class and disability; that those performing take on a financial risk; and that the patchwork of companies involved in the festival means  'reduced accountability for proper provisions, ensuring workers get properly paid, and that sustainability, accessibility, diversity and fairness of venues and companies is prioritised.'

But the report is thin on detailed, concrete suggestions on how to change the Fringe – saying the group lacked the resources to move forward. Indeed, one problem it identified was the lack of funding for grassroots organisations seeking changes – such as the group's members.

More generally, the report suggested everyone involved in the Fringe work closer together in ‘committing to taking actions to address these challenges'.

As a first step, the  group said venues should commit to principles such as ensuring 75 per cent of all venue spaces are wheelchair accessible – although it made no mention of how this would be changed in ancient buildings. And participants should  publish a carbon footprint for their show, and commit to having at least one pay-what-you-can show in the run.

And it said both sides should sign up to the theatre industry’s anti-racism rider.

Read the Future Fringe report here.

Published: 15 Feb 2022