Melbourne Fringe Festival Board Rejects Artist Fee Ultimatum
A coalition of 580 artists, producers, and technicians has failed to secure immediate changes to the festival’s contentious venue fee structure.
The board of the Melbourne Fringe Festival has formally rejected an open letter demanding a reduction in the venue cut from 35% back to 30% of ticket sales, and for this percentage to be calculated after ticketing fees rather than before.
"The board could not adopt the requests for the 2026 festival."
— Michael Kantor, Board Chair
While Board Chair Michael Kantor acknowledged the concerns as “reasonable,” he stated that the board could not implement the requested changes for the 2026 festival. The festival maintains that the 35% cut is essential to reducing operating losses and preserving the Festival Hub in its current form.
Festival CEO Danny Delahunty defended the model, arguing that the "fees on fees" claim misunderstands the cost-sharing mechanism. He warned that changing the calculation would require cutting equipment and infrastructure, potentially harming lower-selling artists more than the current system.
Artist Exodus and Financial Reality
Artist Lukas Meintjes, who initiated the campaign, has decided to opt out of participating this year due to prohibitive costs.
Comedian Andy Balloch provided a stark example of the financial squeeze, reporting that Fringe took 48% of his takings last year, and projecting that figure would rise to 60% this year at a festival-managed venue. In response, Balloch has chosen an alternative venue.
"Fringe took 48% of my takings last year. It would be 60% this year."
— Andy Balloch, Comedian
Industry Context
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance confirmed it has held preliminary talks with the festival. Both the union and festival organizers acknowledge that artists and festivals alike are facing significant funding pressures, making the search for a sustainable financial model more urgent than ever.