The Fringe Society, the body that publishes the Fringe programme, has opened nominations for the newly established Participants’ Council. The deadline for submitting nominations is 6 May 2011.
The aim of the Participants’ Council, which was recommended in the Society's Constitutional Review, is to give actors, producers, operators of Fringe venues and others who take part in the Fringe a direct input into the issues discussed by the Society’s Board.
Alister O'Loughlin who has been appointed by the Society's Board as the Lead Director responsible for liaison said the Participants' Council is a "key aspect" of the Fringe Society's new Constitution.
“It is a very exciting moment for us as this continues to make the organisation more open to participants who wish to have their say on how the Society is run," he said.
"All it takes is passion, awareness and an involvement in the world’s largest arts festival to stand for this Council – and I would implore anyone with an interest in the running of the Fringe to put their name forward.”
The initial Fringe Participants’ Council will comprise of twelve members drawn from three categories – ‘performers’, ‘registered venues’ and ‘producers’ who will share ideas, suggestions and give feedback.
The Council will consult with the Fringe Society Board at least twice in any calendar year, providing an open dialogue between the board and those representing Fringe participants on the Council.
The Fringe Society held its first elections since the Constitutional Review in February, electing Peter Buckley Hill, founder of the Free Fringe, and arts consultant Sally Cowling to its board.
However, a third position on the board for "performers linked to Fringe shows" was not filled due to "no properly nominated candidates presented themselves by the deadline". So it is hoped that this will see a better response.
How to get nominated
To stand as a member of the Participant’s Council an applicant has to be a member of the Fringe Society - membership to which has reopened since the adoption of the new constitution.
For members of the society wishing to nominate - a completed copy of the nomination form needs to be entered by 6 May 2011.
The first members of the Council will serve for either a two year term or a four year term, as the new initiative moves forward, members will serve a two year term and can be elected for two consecutive terms – before they have to stand down for at least one year.
The Fringe Board of Directors
The current board of directors is elected by the members of the Fringe Society. They are:
- Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill (chair)
- Pip Utton (vice chair)
- Anthony Alderson
- Peter Buckley Hill
- Sally Cowling
- Judith Doherty
- Simon Fanshawe
- Shelaigh Mackay
- Alister O’Loughlin
- Tommy Sheppard
- Kate Smurthwaite
- Andre Vincent
- Charlie Wood
- Collin Wood
This year's Edinburgh Fringe takes runs from 5th to 29th August. The programme launch is on 9 June and the box office opens at 8am on 10th June.