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Looking back on a record-breaking Fringe, and ahead to Philly's festival future.
The BSR Podcast: FringeArts CEO Nell Bang-Jensen on the state of Philly arts festivals
Darnelle Radford
Enjoy this candid conversation with BSR Podcast host Darnelle Radford and his latest Season 10 guest: FringeArts CEO and producing director Nell Bang-Jensen, who is celebrating one year in her new role. Bang-Jensen and Radford talk about how and why this year's Fringe was a record-breaking event, and how the Philly Fringe has become the country's largest Fringe Festival, drawing more and more artists from out of town while exploding with local favorites.
Bang-Jensen describes a typical day in her job (though really, there is no typical day), how artists can reach out to invite the FringeArts team to see their work, and her take on the arts scene in Philly, where she says that we have a tendency to launch new projects instead of shepherding the resources we already have. Funders are willing to support shiny new work or programs, but the real challenge is getting fair wages and decent benefits for the hardworking staffers who are already on the job. She is dreaming a future in which the Fringe, a cultural and economic engine for Philly, will get dedicated city funding.
Don't miss this conversation, and if you want to celebrate in person with the FringeArts team, grab your tickets for FEASTIVAL 2025 on Wednesday, October 22. BSR subscribers can get an exclusive $25 discount by using the promo code BSR25feast at checkout.
Listen above, or on Apple Podcasts.
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