Summerhall confirms EdFringe 2025
Summerhall Arts charity announces future plans
Summerhall will be a venue at EdFringe 2025 according to Summerhall Arts, the independent charity set up in 2023 to take over the running of Summerhall’s arts and performance programme.
The charity says that it is now welcoming applications for performers and theatre companies for this year’s fringe. And that besides being a venue at future fringes, it intends to run a “diverse programme of work throughout the entire year”.
Summerhall. Pic: Pete Dibdin.
Summerhall Arts is applying for multi-year funding from Creative Scotland, with an ambition to become: “Edinburgh’s leading arts organisation, one that champions creativity, encourages cultural exchange, and offers a vibrant, inclusive programme of multidisciplinary arts that deepens Scotland’s cultural fabric.”
The announcement follows this week’s news that HMRC has withdrawn its petition to wind up Summerhall Management Limited (SML) over alleged unpaid corporation tax – unfreezing SML’s bank accounts and allowing it to pay all 2024 EdFringe performers.
After owners Oesselmann Estate Limited put the Summerhall building up for sale in May 2024, Summerhall Arts announced that it was looking to take on the lease with an ambition to ensure the consistent provision of a year-round arts programme in the former Vet School.
The exact terms of the sale have yet to be revealed – although local house builder AMA Homes was announced as the preferred bidder in October 2024 (see our news here).
additional responsibility
However, Summerhall Arts has now confirmed that it will take on the additional responsibility of delivering a “world class programme of new writing, performance and visual arts” during the EdFringe 2025 and beyond.
Debbie Christie, a member of the Summerhall Arts board, said in a statement that the charity is committed to using the programming and leadership team which has “been doing such an exemplary job at working with and supporting the artists over the last few years.”
Sam Gough and Tom Forster of Summerhall Arts. Pic Peter Dibdin
The team will be led by Sam Gough, who has resigned his position of chief executive of SML to dedicate himself to the Summerhall Arts charity. He will be supported by performance programmer Tom Forster and visual arts programmer Samantha Chapman.
Gough said: “We have planned a diverse programme of work throughout the entire year which will go a long way to support and develop the sector year-round.
“But the first announcement is that we are going to deliver a fringe programme – which is a thrilling opportunity to push boundaries and provide a platform for both emerging and established artists. Summerhall Arts vision is simple: to celebrate art that speaks to the moment and invites new perspectives, all while fostering strong relationships with artists and audiences alike.
optimistic
“With our ongoing efforts to secure multi-year funding, we are optimistic this will strengthen our ability to support all of the artists of the future, keeping Scotland at the very forefront of the sector.”
Tom Foster added that the 2025 fringe performance programme will: “continue to be exactly what we know and love, challenging contemporary work that says something about the world and does it in an interesting way, because that is what the sector shapes us to be.
“There is no secret sauce; I just simply can’t wait to work with colleagues, both old and new, and we at Summerhall Arts welcome applications for this years’ fringe now.”
Summerhall Arts has yet to set up a dedicated EdFringe applications portal. For now, companies which are interested in taking work to Summerhall – whether at the Fringe or year round – should email info@summerhallarts.co.uk.
Summerhall Arts website: www.summerhallarts.co.uk.
Instagram: @summerhallarts
ENDS
