Paying it forward helps more people experience the Adelaide Fringe

Adelaide Fringe is full of surprises. This inclusive and accessible festival transforms Adelaide and surrounds for 31 days and nights during February and March each year.

Since it began in 1960, when a small group of independent artists created an open-access festival on the ‘fringe’ of the Adelaide Festival, it has grown into the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, it sells over a million tickets and attracts artists and festivalgoers from around the world¹.

With more than 1,400 shows across 500 venues, there’s something for everyone. Festivalgoers can use the Adelaide Fringe Guide, check out audience favourites or use filters on the Fringe website or the Fringe app to choose shows and buy tickets.

In 2025, Adelaide Fringe will run from 21 February to 23 March

Unfortunately, experiences like Fringe can be out of reach for people experiencing financial hardship. Arts Unlimited, the Adelaide Fringe Foundation, is determined to change this by providing support and initiatives that remove the barriers to participation².

As Presenting Partner this year, NRMA Insurance will match community donations to Arts Unlimited by doubling donations made at checkout as well as through its Pay it Forward initiative*. These donations will provide free tickets to children and families from community groups experiencing disadvantage who might otherwise miss out. 

Michelle Klein, NRMA Insurance Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, said of the partnership:

"NRMA Insurance has been helping Australians protect what matters for almost 100 years and through this partnership we are proud to be supporting South Australia’s thriving arts sector and helping to remove barriers to participation. With one in two South Australians attending Adelaide Fringe each year, this is an opportunity for NRMA Insurance to further demonstrate what A Help Company would do to support local communities." 

Heather Croall, Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO, added:

"We’re thrilled to have NRMA Insurance join us as a partner this year, supporting our community and helping us achieve our mission of becoming the most inclusive festival in the world”.  

Red Cross and SES staff and volunteers as well as NRMA Insurance customers and staff in South Australia are in for a treat, with a complimentary Fringe Mate Membership. Benefits include 2 for 1 tickets to participating shows, exclusive deals and offers throughout the year, early access to the Fringe program and more. This limited-time offer was shared with eligible individuals before the start of the festival.n for a treat, with a complimentary Fringe Mate Membership. Benefits include 2 for 1 tickets to participating shows, exclusive deals and offers throughout the year, early access to the Fringe program and more. This limited-time offer was shared with eligible individuals before the start of the festival.