Question List for Development 

Detailed Question Lists for Festival Development

To effectively develop and refine a Fringe Festival, organisers must consider a broad range of questions that guide strategic decision-making. Below is a structured list of key questions across various aspects of festival planning and execution.

1. Vision and Mission

• What is the core mission of the festival?

• What type of artistic work do you want to showcase?

• Who is the primary audience for the festival?

• How does the festival align with local, national, or global cultural trends?

• What impact do you want the festival to have on the community and the arts sector?

2. Governance and Structure

• What legal structure best suits the festival (charity, non-profit, limited company, cooperative)?

• Will there be a board of directors or a steering committee? Who will be involved?

• What governance policies and ethical guidelines should be established?

• How will decision-making be structured within the festival team?

3. Funding and Financial Planning

• What are the estimated start-up and operational costs for the festival?

• What revenue streams will be explored (grants, sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, crowdfunding)?

• What financial policies and accountability measures need to be in place?

• What pricing structure will be used for artists and audiences?

• How will financial sustainability be ensured for the next three to five years?

4. Venue Selection and Logistics

• What types of venues will be used (traditional theatres, pop-up spaces, outdoor locations)?

• What are the accessibility requirements for venues?

• How will venue hire costs be managed?

• Are there technical and production considerations for each venue?

• What contingency plans exist in case of last-minute venue changes?

5. Artist and Performer Engagement

• What selection process will be used (open access, juried, hybrid)?

• How will outreach efforts ensure diversity and inclusion in the festival lineup?

• What support will be provided to artists (technical, financial, promotional)?

• What are the key contractual obligations for participating artists?

• How will artist satisfaction be measured and improved?

6. Audience Development

• Who are the key target demographics for the festival?

• How will the festival attract first-time attendees?

• What accessibility measures will be put in place for audiences with disabilities?

• How will audience engagement be sustained beyond the festival?

• How will audience data and feedback be collected and analysed?

7. Marketing and Promotion

• What is the festival’s brand identity and messaging?

• What digital marketing channels will be prioritised (social media, email, website, press outreach)?

• What partnerships can be formed to boost promotion?

• What PR strategies will be used to attract media coverage?

• How will ticket sales be maximised through promotional efforts?

8. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• What role will the local community play in the festival?

• How will local businesses be involved as sponsors, venues, or promotional partners?

• How can collaborations with other arts organisations strengthen the festival?

• What advocacy efforts can be pursued to gain government or institutional support?

• How will the festival contribute to long-term cultural development in the area?

9. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

• What sustainability policies will be implemented to reduce waste and emissions?

• How will the festival encourage eco-friendly transport and travel?

• What partnerships can be formed with green vendors and suppliers?

• How will sustainability efforts be measured and reported?

• How can audiences and artists be encouraged to participate in sustainability initiatives?

10. Risk Management and Crisis Planning

• What are the major risks facing the festival (financial, operational, reputational)?

• What contingency plans exist for emergencies such as extreme weather or public health crises?

• What legal protections are in place (insurance, liability waivers, contract terms)?

• How will security and crowd management be handled?

• What crisis communication strategies are in place to address unexpected incidents?

11. Post-Festival Evaluation and Future Planning

• How will artist, audience, and stakeholder feedback be collected?

• What key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used to measure success?

• How will financial performance be assessed post-festival?

• What changes or improvements will be made for the next edition?

• How will long-term sustainability and growth be maintained?

Final Thoughts

A successful Fringe Festival is built on thorough planning and continuous refinement. By systematically addressing the above questions, organisers can create an event that is artistically impactful, financially sustainable, and deeply connected to its community. Engaging with global networks such as World Fringe and learning from established festivals can further strengthen the strategic approach to festival planning.