Darwin Fringe
This time of year, Top Enders would normally be immersing themselves in the wild and wacky world that is Darwin Fringe, but the festival as we know it was postponed due to the pandemic. We asked Fringe Director Hannah Illingworth to tell us about what’s happening this year.
WE’RE BACK! WELL, kind of. The community arts festival with bite, Darwin Fringe, is sneaking into your Dry season with a special Welcome to Country, workshop series, meaningful discussions, and a mock awards ceremony. We’ve all taken a big hit this year so we’re doing our best to sprinkle some opportunity around.
After months of lost income and burnt out energy, we didn’t want to ask anything of our incredible creative community. Instead, we want to do some nice things for you! We can’t fix the issues but, hey, maybe we can remind you of how connected, resilient and awesome you are?
Instead of the usual back-to-back, jam-packed, crazy Darwin Fringe, we’re encouraging locals to get out and about, spending your energy and money on Territorian art. Go buy local work, listen to a thinker, laugh a little, or drop some dollars at an independent venue.
During the 10-day Fringe, we’d normally be in full festival mode, but we’re keen to continue to promote events across the city. Thanks to City of Darwin’s community sponsorship program, we’ve been able to create a special opening ceremony that’ll be hosted in the Civic Park on Sat 4 Jul. This opportunity offers a fire – yep, a real fire – that can be used to smoke out grieving energies. Had shows cancelled? Write ‘em down and burn it. Lost the will for a while? Time to light it up and let it go.
On Sun 12 Jul, Fringe says “thank you” with a special closing ceremony featuring a local performance written about isolation, plus some mock awards. We’ll even release the beast that is 2021 dates!
After an unexpected year in 2020, the Darwin Fringe is excited to be highlighting our creative community once more – we urge you to get amongst it this month! Visit our website or follow us on social media to check out the program of events as they’re released. Stay weird, Darwin.
Darwin Fringe Festival
WHEN FRI 3 JUL – SUN 12 JUL
INFO darwinfringe.org.au | facebook.com/darwinfringefestival
Photo: David Artisan
