Edinburgh Fringe Welcomes New Leadership and Artist Support Initiatives

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is ushering in a new era with the appointment of Tony Lankester as its new Chief Executive and the naming of Suzy Eddie Izzard as its first Alumni Patron. These significant leadership changes signal a commitment to the festival's future, alongside initiatives like providing free bicycles for artists, highlighting a multifaceted approach to supporting the vibrant arts community.

New Leadership at the Helm

Tony Lankester will officially take on the role of Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in early April 2025. Lankester brings a wealth of experience from his previous tenure as CEO of Riverside Studios in London and his twelve years leading the National Arts Festival in South Africa. Benny Higgins, Chair of the Fringe Society, expressed confidence in Lankester's ability to guide the festival, particularly as it approaches its 80th anniversary, emphasizing his insights from both cultural and commercial backgrounds to ensure the Fringe Society meets the needs of its diverse community.

Lankester himself stated, "Edinburgh Festival Fringe occupies a rare and special place in the hearts and minds of artists the world over... Staying true to that legacy, while being asked to help shape and guide its future, is a privilege." He acknowledged the challenging arts environment and stressed the enduring need for what the Fringe represents for artists, audiences, and the city of Edinburgh.

A Patron for the People

Adding to the society's leadership, Suzy Eddie Izzard has been appointed as the first Alumni Patron. Izzard, a celebrated comedian and actor, has a long-standing connection with the Fringe, having first attended in 1981 and performed there multiple times to launch their career. As Patron, Izzard will champion the Fringe Society's vision of providing a stage for anyone and a seat for everyone.

"The Edinburgh Fringe gives people from all around the world – a wonderful, open door opportunity to perform and be seen," Izzard commented. "But it is also physically and mentally as tough as hell." They highlighted the festival's grandeur and the intense creative struggle of young artists as key elements that have shaped the Edinburgh Fringe into a legend.

Supporting Artists On and Off Stage

Beyond leadership appointments, the Fringe Society is also supporting grassroots initiatives. Comedian Dion Owen is providing free, refurbished bicycles to fellow Fringe artists, a project he has been developing for a decade. With support from the Fringe Society and The Pear Tree venue, Owen has refurbished 70 bikes this year, aiming to increase accessibility for artists navigating the city during the festival.

Owen expressed his goal: "For me, the end goal is that every artist who wants a bike for the Fringe would have access to one." He hopes that publicity will help the program grow, potentially attracting more support and mechanics to expand the initiative in the future, emphasizing his desire to make the world a little bit better through this effort.

Key Takeaways

• Tony Lankester appointed as the new Chief Executive, bringing extensive international arts leadership experience.

• Suzy Eddie Izzard named the first Alumni Patron, a testament to the festival's impact on artists' careers.

• Dion Owen's initiative to provide free bicycles to artists highlights practical support for Fringe participants.

• These developments underscore the Fringe Society's commitment to both strategic leadership and direct artist welfare.

Sources

• Tony Lankester appointed as Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Edinburgh Fringe.

• Suzy Eddie Izzard appointed as the first alumni Patron of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society | EdinburghFringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe.

• Dion Owen: providing free bikes for Fringe artists | Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe.