We’re back — and we’re officially incorporated!
We’re thrilled to announce that Venue 13 Fringe Ltd is now an official company registered with Companies House. After decades of supporting independent and international artists at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Venue 13 is stepping into an exciting new era — with a year-round vision, a nonprofit trust in development, and a model rooted in care, sustainability, and community.
A Legacy Worth Building On
Since 1980, Venue 13 has provided a launchpad for emerging and risk-taking performance. Originally founded by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and later managed by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, our little black box has hosted the early careers of artists like David Tennant, and has supported hundreds more to find their voice on the world’s biggest arts stage.
But we’re not just celebrating the past — we’re building the future.
When the RWCMD closed up shop in 2024, our new Directors, Ian Garrett and Vanesa Kelly, stepped in. Ian, who first presented at Venue 13 in 2008, and Vanesa, a creative force in Edinburgh’s sustainable arts community, are now reimagining what a Fringe venue can be.
What’s New?
With our official incorporation, we can now:
- Offer shareholding opportunities to mission-aligned partners
- Launch the Venue 13 Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to outreach and artist support
- Run year-round programming and workshops
- Provide full-service Fringe support: PR, tech, housing, and touring help
- Build a digital archive and hybrid performance platform
- Open Market 13 — a new space for food, crafts, and community exchange
In short: we’re becoming more than just a venue. We’re becoming an artist-centered ecosystem.
This Year’s Programme
We’re kicking off this new chapter with two deeply resonant projects:
🌍 Climate Change Theatre Action 2025
The global launch of the 10th anniversary of CCTA takes place at Venue 13! This month-long series of short climate plays reminds us all: The Time Is Now.
🔥 A.I. Campfire
An immersive media experience that blends AI, folklore, and ecological grief. Come sit by the fire and experience a story told through code, myth, and memory.
We Need You
To realize this vision, we’re calling on our community to help co-create the future of Venue 13. We’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of £13,000 — every contribution goes directly toward supporting artists, upgrading our tech, launching the Trust, and bringing Market 13 to life.
From shout-outs to signed anthologies, we’ve got some meaningful thank-you perks lined up. But more importantly, your support helps build an inclusive, sustainable, artist-first model — not just for this August, but for the long term.
Ready to Go Further?
We’re also opening up investment opportunities for those who want to partner with us more deeply. If you’re interested in being part of the sustainable creative infrastructure we’re building, reach out to us. Let’s talk.
📧 Contact us at: info@venue13.com
Join the Movement
Venue 13 isn’t just a place. It’s a promise — to centre artistry, champion equity, and make room for bold, brave performance.
If you’ve ever loved the Fringe, ever stood on our stage, or ever dreamed of what a better festival could look like — now’s your time to step into the circle.
Follow us: @venue13fringe
Explore the 2025 programme: www.venue13.com
Support the campaign: crowdfund.edfringe.com/p/venue13returns
Together, let’s make Fringe history — again.
