Novatech Arts Innovation Fund Grants Elevate Adelaide Fringe 2024 Season

Tue, Apr 9 2024
In an extraordinary boost to Adelaide Fringe 2024, the recipients of the Novatech Arts Innovation Fund grants have unveiled transformative experiences across a spectrum of venues, thanks to the significant support from Novatech. As a leading event technology company committed to fostering artistic innovation and excellence, Novatech's partnership with Adelaide Fringe has facilitated a season of unprecedented vibrancy and diversity.
Child with open arms runs through a sparkling light tunnel at night, with two smiling adults watching from the end.
Fool's Paradise. Photo: Jenny Kwok, Adelaide Fringe 2024
The Novatech Arts Innovation Fund Grant Recipients have each leveraged their funding to create unique, immersive environments that cater to a wide range of audiences, shows and artists, further enhancing the scope and ability for these venues to participate in Adelaide Fringe well into the future. 

The Novatech Arts Innovation Fund Grant Recipients for 2024 were: 
  • My Lover Cindi: An LGBTQIA+ night space with a focus on accessibility
  • Enter Closer: A presenting company based in Melbourne who overtook several spaces at Adelaide Fringe 2024
  • ILA: A social enterprise with multiple immersive style arts spaces that is dedicated to creating opportunities for artists.
  • The Bridgeport Hotel: An iconic hotel in South Australia’s Murray Bridge specialising in accommodation, hospitality and entertainment
  • Fool's Paradise: A takeover of Victoria Square and home to three different venues, flying trapeze lessons, mini golf and live music. 
These transformative experiences were made possible by the generous support of Novatech, who provided each recipient with $10,000 cash and $10,000 of in-kind equipment hire, and invaluable monthly mentorship meetings from Adelaide Fringe. This comprehensive support package has empowered these venues to enhance their technological offerings and engage audiences with immersive, innovative experiences.

Ashley Gabriel, Director of Sales and Marketing at Novatech, expressed excitement about the impact of the grants: "Seeing our vision come to life in such a dynamic way has been incredibly rewarding. The creativity and innovation of this year's grant recipients have truly elevated the Fringe experience for everyone involved."

Heather Croall AM, Director and CEO of Adelaide Fringe, also commented on the grants' impact: "The Novatech Arts Innovation Fund grants have played a crucial role in shaping a more diverse, engaging, and technologically advanced Fringe season. We are deeply grateful for Novatech's continued support and commitment to the arts community."

Director of Fool’s Paradise, Thomas Gorham said, “The Novatech grant allowed us to substantially beef up the outdoor lighting, really improving the look and feel of the hub, especially at night time. The light tunnel feature was especially popular. Having a beautiful site at night helped with crowd retention and improved the audience experience at Fool’s Paradise.”

“We had much better audience retention this year than last year, and I believe that was in part due to the layout and the vastly improved visual impact of the site at night time. People who came to watch a show stayed longer on site, enjoyed more food and beverages and danced longer”

The collaboration between Adelaide Fringe and Novatech underscores a shared commitment to nurturing the arts and providing audiences with unforgettable experiences. The 2024 season has set a new benchmark for innovation and inclusivity, thanks to the vision and support of Novatech and the creativity of the grant recipients.