Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe Society has today (Wednesday) published on its website a summary of the findings of its recent online survey into improving the governance of the Society.
The online survey was the first part of a constitutional reform process initiated by the Society’s board at their 2008 Annual General Meeting and has been described as an ‘important milestone’ in modernising the Society’s structures.
After the 2009 General Meeting the board set up a special working group to bring forward proposals for updating the Society’s constitution.
Over 2,000 people completed the survey and the findings will go on to be discussed at a series of meetings which the board’s working group will hold with key stakeholders such as venue operators and performers.
Amongst the key findings of the survey is support for the Society continuing as a membership based organisation with a board of trustees consisting of elected members and those appointed on a skills-based basis.
The working group will meet with stakeholder representatives over the next few months before bringing forward a set of proposals which will be placed before a General Meeting of the Society.
Speaking at the publication of the findings, Mr Pip Utton, Vice Chair of the Fringe Society said:
“I am delighted that over 2,000 people have chosen to take part in our survey. The summary which we have published on our website is evidence of the significant role that the Fringe plays in the cultural life of Edinburgh and the U.K. as a whole.
“We will now use the results of the survey to frame our detailed discussions with key stakeholder groups on what changes to the governance of the Society will enhance its operations.”
Kath M Mainland, Chief Executive of the Fringe Society added:
“This survey is an important milestone in the modernisation of the Fringe Society’s structures. In its entire history the Fringe Society has never carried out such an extensive consultation.
“The world’s largest and most high profile arts festival needs a structure that is fit for purpose and this process will deliver the changes needed to make that happen.
“The Fringe does not belong to any one individual or organisation. The Fringe Society was established to provide support and advice for all participants, provide comprehensive information and ticketing for everyone taking part and to raise the profile of the Fringe. The working group is convinced that these core objectives of the Fringe Society are as relevant today as they were in 1969 and that any constitutional changes should enhance this work not detract from it. This view is endorsed by the findings of the survey.”
End.
