Sydney Fringe announces economic impact

The Sydney Fringe today announced the economic impact of the 2010 festival for the NSW economy.

The Sydney Fringe today announced the economic impact of the 2010 festival for the NSW economy.

Using data acquired through ticketing information and detailed audience surveying, and analysing this data with the Shelland Fomula for economic impact (as created by the Arts Council, UK), it has been revealed that the 2010 Sydney Fringe contributed $10.2m of economic impact for the inner west and wider NSW economy.

This includes $6.18m of additional visitor spend from the over 100,000 people that experienced an event in this year’s Fringe,

The study revealed that 78.9% of festival goers purchased a meal either before or after their show, and 59.8% purchased an alcoholic drink.  There was $2.08m in interstate and local travel spend, which includes accommodation, travel and parking.  96% of festival goers said their experience was positive and they would come again, with 60% of attendees having booked for two or more shows.

“We feel this demonstrates the demand for a key alternative arts festival in NSW,” said Greg Khoury, chair of the Fringe. 

“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 the Fringe performing arts being new works and world premieres.  Plans have begun for next year’s Sydney Fringe, which will take place in spring 2011. 

For more information on the activities of the Sydney Fringe, please visit www.thesydneyfringe.com.au.