Gilded Balloon are delighted to be launching the Show Support Fund in 2026, a new initiative designed to help artists overcome the continued financial barriers of bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the Show Support Fund?

At its core, the Show Support Fund will raise commercial, public and charitable donations to directly support artists in our annual Fringe programme. With the cost of participating in the Fringe continuing to rise, the fund aims to ensure that more artists, particularly those with distinct voices and limited financial means, can bring their work to Edinburgh.

In its inaugural year, the Show Support Fund has been kickstarted by a generous contribution from globally acclaimed comedian, writer and composer Tim Minchin alongside his wife Sarah Minchin, their donation will support five shows selected by Gilded Balloon Artistic Directors Karen Koren and Katy Koren, focusing on solo performers with bold voices and sharing personal stories across comedy and theatre. Tim Minchin who first found major success at Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2005 has particular interest in supporting artists who have struggled with mental health issues or who may require additional support to make the Fringe achievable with their work.

In future years, chosen shows will be dictated by the donations and funds raised and those that are identified as needing additional support when applying to be part of the GIlded Balloon programme each year.

Who is it for?

The fund is designed to be flexible and collaborative, allowing donors to support the kinds of artists and projects they are most passionate about, while Gilded Balloon identifies productions that would most benefit from additional backing. Funding may contribute to a wide range of artist’s needs, including marketing, rehearsal space, creative support, travel, accommodation and wellbeing.

2026 Show Support Fund Artists

Interested in supporting?

The Show Support Fund is one of the initiatives Gilded Balloon’s charitable organisation, Gilded Balloon Futures, has been relaunched to deliver. Gilded Balloon Futures is a registered charity company the Gilded Balloon initially set up in the wake of the fire that burnt down the Gilded Balloon in Cowgate. This charitable organisation was relaunched at the end of 2025 as part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations to help further Gilded Balloon’s artist development projects.

Money raised by Gilded Balloon Futures will go towards two main initiatives, the Show Support Fund and/or the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development programme.

Funds raised go towards existing projects and shows tailored to the issues that are most valued by donors or funders.Get in touch with Gilded Balloon Artistic Directors directly over email and we’d love to chat about how you’d like to contribute towards So You Think You’re Funny? to further support artists we work with hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk.

Other projects to support

Alongside the Show Support Fund, we are also looking for support for the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development Programme, helping to cover the costs of the competition and providing vital opportunities for emerging comedians. This includes financial assistance for travel and accommodation for selected performers—removing one of the biggest barriers to accessing the Fringe. More information can be found on this on the website – soyouthinkyourefunny.co.uk