Artists, collectives, venues and producers are being called to dream big and think bold, with applications now open for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe Fund.

This annual grant program, delivered through Arts Unlimited by the Adelaide Fringe Foundation, exists to help remove financial barriers and empower participation in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival.

Whether you’re a first-time Fringe performer, a regional touring act, or an emerging collective with an ambitious new idea, the Fringe Fund is here to help get your work on stage.

Fringe Fund recipient Vibhinna Ramdev said of the fund; “As an International independent artist, securing the Fringe Fund felt like having a huge pillar of support just holding you up, every time you felt like you were going to fall. It gave me the inspiration to push harder and do the best I could, as I had people believing in me. My first time performing in Australia felt very welcoming and definitely will be back for more. This is only the first step forward.” – Vibhinna Ramdev presented, ‘Why English? – Layers beneath the language!’ in 2025.

Image credit: ‘Why English? – Layers beneath the language!’. Photo: Tejaswini Kher, 2025.

This year the Fund distributed more than $1 million in grants, supporting hundreds of creative projects across genres, artforms and regions. In 2026, that support continues—backed by generous donations from individuals, businesses, and the South Australian Government.

“This is about levelling the playing field for artists, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in Fringe,” said Adelaide Fringe CEO and Director, Heather Croall.

“We’re looking to fund ideas that are audacious, impactful and creatively ambitious—projects that help shape the future of Adelaide Fringe and its place as a global leader in open-access arts.”

The Fringe Fund focuses on works that reflect the Festival’s values of inclusion, creative risk and accessibility, and in 2026 will particularly support:

– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists

– Creatives from regional and remote South Australia

– Artists with lived experience of disability

– Emerging voices

– Projects exploring new or unconventional forms

Four grant categories are available this year: Artist Access, Audience Access, Operational Support and Regional Touring. Each is designed to support different stages of the creative process, from development through to presentation and touring.

Applications are open now and will close at 11:59pm ACST on Friday 01 August 2025. Successful recipients will be announced from mid-October.

For more information and to apply, visit: adelaidefringe.com.au/fringefund

If you’ve got an idea that’s bold, brave, and ready to shine at Fringe—now’s your chance.