...as festival unveils partnership to help performers' mental health

The Edinburgh Fringe Society is splitting its Fringe Central hub for participants across two venues this year.

The artists' hub will be at the Quaker Meeting House on Victoria Terrace in the Old Town, whereas the arts industry and media offices will be in Appleton Tower, just off George Square, where Fringe Central has previously been based.

Last year, Fringe Central was based in the new St James Quarter shopping mall.

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society admitted the new arrangement was partly motivated by money.

She said: ‘We are continually working to provide the best possible support to artists within our limited resources, and sometimes that yields beautifully serendipitous results.

‘Establishing two separate Fringe Central spaces this year was borne out of budgetary and logistical necessity, but the consequent realisation of a dedicated space for artists is a massive benefit, both for them and for our team, in terms of having a focused and dedicated artists’ space throughout August.

The Fringe Society is also working for the first time with local mental health charity Health in Mind this year, to offer one-to-one support for artists during the festival as well as  workshops and online resources.

Alana Genge from the charity said: ‘We've had great discussions around what mental health and wellbeing support will look like this year for artists and it's clear to see the passion and commitment the Fringe team has for ensuring artists know where to get support and that support is available in different ways

'We’re looking forward to being part of the buzz that the Fringe brings to Edinburgh.’ 

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe will take place from  August 4 to 28.

Published: 24 May 2023