Sydney Fringe worth $10.2 million
The inaugural Sydney Fringe has been declared a financial success, with research showing the event was worth $10.2 million to the NSW economy.
That included $6.18 million of additional visitor spending from the over 100,000 people that experienced an event in this year’s Fringe,
The study revealed that around 79 percent of attendees to Fringe events purchased a meal either before or after their show, while nearly 60 percent purchased an alcoholic drink. The Fringe generated just over $2 million in interstate and local travel spending, including accommodation, travel and parking.
96 percent of festival-goers said their experience was positive and they would come again, with 60 percent having booked two or more shows.
“We feel this demonstrates the demand for a key alternative arts festival in NSW,” said Fringe chair Greg Khoury, “There is an audience for independent arts, and a key need within the arts community for these opportunities.”
The 2010 Sydney Fringe featured over 3000 artists in 256 events, with more than half of these new works and world premieres.
Plans are already underway for next year’s event which will take place in spring 2011.
The organisation is considering the merits of moving the start date to September 30 to take advantage of the Labour Day long weekend, however a decision is yet to be made.
Sydney Star Observer was the Fringe’s official GLBTI media partner and the festival estimates its 2010 print partners delivered a combined value of 1,263,326 impressions worth nearly $73 thousand.
The Sydney Fringe was founded by the Newtown Entertainment Precinct Association (NEPA), an alliance of Inner West arts and cultural venues, and is supported by the City of Sydney and Marrickville Council.
