Festival season begins with fossil fuels on the fringe

Climate change activists are eyeing the fossil fuel sponsorships of Perth’s major performing arts institutions, ahead of a festival season without the backing of Woodside and Chevron.

The Perth Festival ended its partnership with US energy giant Chevron in 2023, and Woodside terminated its remaining sponsorship of Perth’s Fringe World Festival in September.

Woodside gave up the naming rights to the event when they expired in 2021, but the company had continued to sponsor festival organisers, Artrage.

Campaigners Fossil Free Arts are welcoming what they describe as the first “fossil free” festival season for Perth, following a five-year campaign.

“It is now a matter of time before other institutions either cut ties with big polluters or face negative consequences due to their support of an LNG industry which is betting against a livable climate,” said campaigner Anthony Collins.

The debate should now turn to performing arts organisations still sponsored by Woodside, including the WA Ballet, WA Youth Orchestra and WA Symphony Orchestra, he said.

The company is currently seeking government approval to expand its Burrup Hub gas plant near Karratha.

It was Woodside’s decision to end its deal with Artrage, a company spokesperson said.

“Woodside is proud to be a global energy company, supplying the oil and gas that the world needs and working to develop new energy products,” the company said in a statement.

Many West Australian artists were reluctant to speak out against the sponsorship deals, because they were worried about losing out on work, Mr Collins claimed.

“Their pay cheque was so reliant on the month of Fringe Festival every year, and they felt that if they spoke publicly, then there might be repercussions.”

Fringe World begins later in January and the Perth Festival starts in February.