The arts sector was one of the first major casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent performance venues, such as the Sydney Fringe, were forced to close their doors to the public in 2020. However, as life is starting to return to some semblance of normality — venues and performances are starting to open up again. Since 2018, the Sydney Fringe has championed the need for accessible and affordable non-curated performance spaces in Sydney, working with the government and partners to activate underutilised space for performance. This year, Fringe HQ is set to activate the historic Newtown School of Arts Building at 5 Eliza Street as a pop-up venue.

Lesley Watson, Sydney Fringe Chair, sat down with Alex James on 2SER Breakfast to tell us more…

Photo supplied.