Adelaide Fringe opens 2027 Fringe Fund Grant Applications

Adelaide Fringe might still be eight months away, but applications are now open for the 2027 Adelaide Fringe Fund Grants.

Artists, venues, producers and communities are encouraged to apply for funding to help bring their new work, ambitious ideas and diverse voices to life.

For 2027, Adelaide Fringe has changed this up, reshaping its grants program to allow for more substantial grants. The aim is to allow applicants to create more ambitious works and strengthen the diversity of work presented as the Fringe continues to provide strong support for emerging artists, First Nations artists, regional participants, diverse communities and artists presenting new work. 

The introduction of the Honey Pot marketplace is also giving SA artists and producers the ability to build pathways into national and international touring.

Three key funding streams are being introduced as part of the 2027 Fringe Fund Grants Program.

Show Starter grants will support the development, staging and promotion of new work and works in progress for Adelaide Fringe, with grants available at $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000. This grant aims to encourage artists and producers to return to the Fringe across multiple seasons and is open to South Australian, Australian and international presenters, companies and venues, with priority given across different categories to First Nations artists, South Australian professional and mid-career artists, emerging artists and applicants presenting world premiere works. 

Show on the Road grants of up to $30,000 will support shows touring to regional and remote South Australia during the Adelaide Fringe season. Touring applicants must present their work in a minimum of three regional or remote destinations, while venues can apply to program a minimum of three shows, encouraging artists to travel beyond the CBD and helping bring Fringe to communities across South Australia. Priority will be given to projects that engage deeply with regional communities through activities such as workshops, residencies and participatory programs. 

Show Me How Producer Mentorship grants of $2,500 will support self-directed professional development for early career producers presenting a show as part of the 2027 Adelaide Fringe season. The grants are designed to help producers build creative, administrative and logistical skills, with Australian First Nations and South Australian producers prioritised in this stream. 

Applications open from now until Monday 10 August 2026. Recipients will be notified in September, announced from October to November, and promoted across the 2027 Adelaide Fringe season. For more information on the grants and to apply, visit adelaidefringe.com.au.

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Adelaide Fringe CEO Marc Carnes said, "The Fringe Fund remains one of the most important ways Adelaide Fringe can directly support artists, venues and communities to participate in the festival. Adelaide Fringe is built on the courage and creativity of artists, and the Fringe Fund plays a crucial role in helping new ideas get from concept to stage."

Adelaide Fringe Foundation Chair Matt Tarrant added, "The Fringe Fund is where philanthropy has a direct and visible impact. It helps artists take creative risks, supports communities to participate and ensures Adelaide Fringe remains a place where new voices and ambitious ideas can be seen and heard. As someone who understands the realities of creating and presenting work at Fringe, I know how important this support can be. A grant can be the difference between an idea staying on paper and a show making it to the stage.” 

Adelaide Fringe 2027 will be held from Friday 19 February to Sunday 21 March 2027. For more information on the grants and to apply, visit adelaidefringe.com.au.