Sydney Fringe Named a Foundation Festival

We’ve got big news: Sydney Fringe Festival has officially been recognised as a Foundation Event under the NSW Government’s brand-new events framework — and we’re absolutely thrilled to share this milestone with you all!

This recognition is a massive vote of confidence in the power of the independent arts and the essential role Sydney Fringe plays in shaping the cultural identity of New South Wales. We’re proud to now stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Sydney Festival, Vivid Sydney, and the Tamworth Country Music Festival – events that help define what NSW looks, feels, and sounds like.

What does this mean for Fringe?

As a Foundation Event, we’ll benefit from:

• Reduced red tape and a more favourable regulatory environment (yes please).
• A three-year Strategic Investment Agreement with Destination NSW, giving us the support and stability to plan further ahead, dream even bigger, and push creative boundaries.
• A seat at the table where major cultural and economic decisions are made – ensuring independent voices are heard loud and clear.

Fringe Festival Director & CEO Kerri Glasscock put it best:

“We are thrilled to be part of the first round of Foundation Events for New South Wales. This recognition speaks to the impact Sydney Fringe continues to have on our state’s creative landscape and the essential role of independent artists and communities we support year-round. As a Foundation Event, we now have access to additional resources that will help us continue advocating for the independent sector, creating space for emerging voices, and championing daring new works. It reinforces our position as a leader in innovation and our commitment to celebrating diverse, independent art. We look forward to contributing to the ongoing cultural and economic vitality of NSW.”

Why it matters

Events aren’t just good fun (though we love that part). They’re also massive drivers of culture, connection, and economic impact. In fact, events supported by Destination NSW in 2023–24 delivered a jaw-dropping $1 billion in visitor expenditure. But beyond dollars, this new events framework recognises what we’ve always known: culture matters. Communities matter. Independent artists matter.

Being named a Foundation Event means the NSW Government sees what we see – that Fringe isn’t just a festival. It’s a platform. It’s a community. It’s a cultural movement.

This support will give us the power to grow stronger, create more space for risk-taking work, and keep telling big, bold, beautiful stories that challenge, inspire, and connect us.

We can’t wait to keep building a brighter, bolder, more independent creative future, together.