Fringe makes art accessible with OUTreach program

The Fringe OUTreach initiative emerged during the pandemic, with the aim of bringing the vibrancy of Fringe Festival to those who might otherwise miss out.

Since then, Fringe OUTreach has partnered with local organisations to facilitate community access to artist workshops, live performances, and Fringe’s ticketed events.

Fringe Mount Gambier Artistic Program Manager Louise Adams said the barriers people face exist on different levels and the program aims to assist wherever it can.

“Whether it be a social barrier, physical barrier – we like to work at it from both angles,” Louise said.

“We work on making our public events increasingly accessible. Fringe OUTreach assures that we can, and that everyone can enjoy arts particularly during Fringe Festival.”

Supported by the OneFortyOne Community Grants Program, this year’s OUTreach program connected with local organisations such as Serene Country Living, Miroma, Dream to Create and ac.care, as well as aged care facilities like Oaks, Boandik and Resthaven.

“We like to take the opportunity when we’ve got the visiting artists in town to get those artists out into some of these organisations, as well as sharing our regional based artists,” Louise said.

“It’s got that dual purpose – it’s getting art out to some of our more vulnerable community members and at the same time, it’s also providing additional and meaningful work to our Fringe artists.”

“We’ve had some artists that have been performing for 20 years and they say these performances have been some of their career highlights.”

ac.care Mount Gambier Community Centre Community Program Coordinator Shauna Wood said it was a joy to continue their annual Fringe event at the Mount Gambier Community Centre this year.

“Hosting Fringe OUTreach activities at the centre gives people the opportunity to experience these performances and workshops in a familiar and safe environment,” Shauna said.

“Many of the people we support are isolated and face daily challenges, so we welcomed the chance to bring some fun and festivity into their lives while reducing the barriers to attending public Fringe events, arts, and other social activities.”

Louise said partnering with local organisations is rewarding, and everyone has a shared appreciation of the importance and value of experiencing art.

“When you’re working in a situation where it can be difficult to provide those opportunities, just to know that these people are being included in the excitement is great,” Louise said.          

“For people to feel like they’re part of it, even if they can’t physically get to FringeLand or the laneways or ticketed shows for whatever reason, it’s a small step in trying to make the festival as accessible as we can.”

“The festival is really proud of Fringe OUTreach, OneFortyOne’s Community Grants program made it possible this year.”