Arts Council England (ACE) is pressing ahead with plans to fund an Edinburgh Festival Fringe showcase in 2021.
A consortium comprising Battersea Arts Centre, Dance4, Fierce, GIFT, MAYK and Transform will recieve £500,000 to develop the showcase, £250,000 less than was announced when the showcase was first publicised in August 2019.
The purpose of the showcase also seems to have shifted. ACE initially promoted the initiative as a way to "increase international exchange" and "strengthen international partnerships" after Brexit; it now says the showcase "aims to pilot new ways of working for the post-pandemic Fringe".
The showcase will feature both live and socially distanced performances. An ACE spokesperson said the ultimate budget for the multi-year project remains £2.25m.
However, funding for years two and three of the programme will be decided based on "the outcome of next year's pilot, as well as the changing nature of the post-pandemic Edinburgh Festival Fringe," the spokesperson said.