If the recent narrative of the UK arts sector has been one of managed decline and “spiralling costs,” Summerhall Arts seems determined to write a different chapter for Edinburgh. The independent charity, established in 2023 to safeguard the site’s artistic future, has released a comprehensive review of its first nine months of multi-year funding.
On the surface, the report is a victory lap: 70,000 tickets issued, 30 Fringe awards, and a string of successful development pilots. However, the roadmap for 2026 reveals a far more significant story for the working artist. The organisation is signalling a structural pivot from a model based on “access” (free space) to one based on “investment” (direct cash injection and paid weeks).
With applications now open for its trio of 2026 Fringe awards—collectively worth £25,000 in cash and in-kind support—the venue is positioning itself not just as a venue, but as an active financial partner.
If the recent narrative of the UK arts sector has been one of managed decline and “spiralling costs,” Summerhall Arts seems determined to write a different chapter for Edinburgh
2025: The Proof of Concept
To understand the ambition of the 2026 plans, one must look at the bedrock laid in 2025. This was the year Summerhall Arts tested a hypothesis: that a dedicated charity could operate a world-class year-round programme while delivering a Fringe festival that prioritised artist returns.
The data suggests the gamble paid off. Despite running a programme three-quarters the size of its 2024 iteration, the venue issued over 70,000 tickets. Individual artists saw higher average audiences and better box office returns. The critical reception matched the commercial success, with the venue securing three Fringe Firsts, two slots in The Stage’s “Fringe Five,” and The List’s Spirit of the Fringe Award.
Beyond the festival, 2025 marked the launch of a functional development engine. The ‘Summerhall Arts Surgeries’ and ‘Studios’ initiatives supported 32 artists and companies, moving many from scratch concepts to fully realised runs.
Biff Smith, the 2025 Studio artist, highlighted the rarity of the support model:
“My recent experience of the Studio week at Summerhall Arts was overwhelmingly positive… I found a rare balance of support and kindness where we needed it, alongside a trust and lightness of touch.”
Similarly, Sadiq Ali, a recipient of the ‘Spaces’ support, emphasised the venue’s role for local talent:
“As an Edinburgh-born artist, I have consistently felt that Summerhall Arts goes above and beyond to champion creative talent from our home city… The freely shared technical knowledge and experience here give artists a genuine springboard.”
A New Financial Model for 2026
While 2025 was about stability, 2026 is about mechanics. The most radical shift announced by the charity is a move away from the traditional “free space” model toward direct remuneration.
In a candid assessment of the sector’s economics, Summerhall Arts has stated it will reduce the number of “free weeks” offered to artists to provide a greater number of “meaningful paid weeks,” including a standard £1,000 week for development.
This is a direct response to the reality that space alone does not pay bills. Furthermore, a new Fringe Champions Membership Scheme will launch for 2026. In a move that could set a new precedent for major venues, this scheme will see Summerhall Arts pay artists 100% of their ticket revenue.
Imogen Stirling, Artist Development Lead, notes that this evolution is about deepening the relationship between building and maker:
“It feels like we’re moving into a phase of not just offering space, but actively cultivating artistic momentum across the building.”
2026 Fringe Awards: Applications Now Open
The immediate manifestation of this “investment-first” philosophy is the launch of the 2026 Fringe Awards. Applications are open now for three distinct streams of support, each designed to lower the barrier to entry.
The Autopsy Award: Now with Tramway
The headline development is the expansion of the Autopsy Award. For 2026, Glasgow’s Tramway has come on board as a co-manager, increasing the cash budget to £6,000 and offering rehearsal space in both cities.
The Mary Dick Award: Partnering with Birds of Paradise
Returning to support UK-based d/Deaf or disabled artists, this award offers £3,000 alongside bespoke dramaturgy from Birds of Paradise Theatre Company.
The Meadows Award: Global Voices
For artists of colour based anywhere in the world, the Meadows Award offers £3,000 and removes prohibitive registration fees and minimum guarantees.
“It feels like we’re moving into a phase of not just offering space, but actively cultivating artistic momentum across the building.”
Imogen Stirling, Artist Development Lead
Artists: How to Apply
Deadline: Friday 23rd January 2026.
Notification: Successful applicants will be informed by Friday 6th February 2026.
Where to Apply: Detailed information and application portals are available at https://www.summerhallarts.co.uk/summerhall-arts-fringe-programme/
Visual Arts and Beyond
While the performing arts often dominate the Fringe headlines, Summerhall Arts’ report points to a significant year for its visual arts programme. In 2025, the venue delivered 18 exhibitions featuring over 470 artists.
Samantha Chapman, Head of Visual Arts and Cinema, is bullish about the future:
“Next year we ramp it up… Next year is going to be bigger and better, I promise you, without any trepidation at all.”
As the Fringe becomes increasingly prohibitively expensive for independent makers, Summerhall Arts is banking on a model that puts the artist’s financial health at the centre of the equation. Here’s to its success!
Featured Image: 2025 Autopsy Award winner, Ruxy Cantir’s acclaimed sold-out show, Pickled Republic, was one of the runaway hits of Summerhall Arts’ inaugural festival programme. Image credit: Andy Catlin.
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