Meet new Fringe Director Greg Clarke…

Greg Clarke, Adelaide Fringe 2011 Fringe Director, was appointed late last year and began working at Adelaide Fringe in February 2010. This allowed for a seamless transition between Christie Anthoney and Sandy Verschoor as they finished on a high after their four years as Fringe Director and CEO respectively.

Born in Blackwood, Greg has been working in Sydney for the past 20 years as Manager at Belvoir St Theatre, running his own arts company and Senior Producer at Sydney Opera House. More recently he was Head of Events with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority staging large scale events including the Darling Harbour New Year’s Eve firework displays and music, dance, circus and food festivals.

What is it like it coming back to direct the Adelaide Fringe ?
It’s incredibly exciting to be back and I’m having an amazing time. Catching up with old friends, meeting new ones and experiencing this years Fringe as the new  Director has been truly mind-blowing and extremely inspiring.

What experience do you bring to Adelaide Fringe?
I’ve had an fantastic 20 year career working in the in the arts and entertainment industry in Sydney.  I’ve been a festival director, producer, artist, performer, art gallery manager, night club owner and entrepreneur.  As a producer at the Sydney Opera House I presented dance, music, theatre, cabaret, and the Message Sticks Film Festival, so to be able to lead a cultural organisation that brings so many diverse art-forms together in the one big three week party really excites me.

What else is it about Adelaide Fringe that appeals to you?
It’s a massive, multi-layered arts festival with an outstanding reputation that absolutely transforms this city. I love the fact that it is constantly evolving, revealing new spaces and venues, just as it’s an open access festival exposing people to fascinating new experiences and stimulating ideas. Every art form is represented, from the visual arts to contemporary dance, music, circus, theatre, puppetry, multi-media, cabaret and comedy. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Can you tell us about some of your vision for the Adelaide Fringe?
I aim to ensure that Adelaide Fringe continues to be the pre-eminent arts event in Australia and the Asia Pacific. That it continues to attract, support and promote innovative, unique and diverse artists and events that audiences are going to be blown away by, talk about and spread the word that you just have to attend this festival no matter what.

To build new audiences and help artists sell more tickets we aim to create a central Fringe hub right in the middle of the city.  Featuring a performance stage and information and box office, artists will be able to publicly showcase and promote their work and give audiences a taste of the Fringe.

Working with a Creative Producer, we will facilitate and collaborate with local artists and Adelaide’s diverse communities in creating free public art events, installations and celebrations that will enliven the city and really set Adelaide Fringe apart from any other festival in the world.

Upcoming Adelaide Fringe Dates:
Venue Registrations – Open July 2010
Adelaide Fringe 2011 Poster Competition – Open late July/ early August 2010
Artist Registrations – Open mid August 2010
Adelaide Fringe 2011: Friday February 18 – Sunday March 13