2025 Adelaide Fringe unveils unique woodcut poster and sets the stage for an inclusive celebration of the arts

The Adelaide Fringe has unveiled the official 2025 celebration poster. A poster titled “Are We Almost There Yet?” created by John Peder, an accomplished artist and engraver who used engraving to create his winning design. This is the first time in the festival’s sixty-year history that a woodcut has been chosen for a poster.

Pedder, who created the print in his backyard studio, hand-carved the wood blocks for this special piece. The design features a series of colorful characters representing different ages and genders, each with their own unique narrative, aligning with the Adelaide Fringe’s goal of being the most inclusive festival in the world. “I’m honored to have been selected as the Adelaide Fringe 2025 poster winner. I love Fringe festivals and how inclusive they are for all artists,” Pedder said. He highlighted the connection between his work and the Fringe’s inclusive motto of “One for all and all for one”, representing the diverse artistic disciplines represented at the festival.

The artist will receive a $10,000 prize from community partner Lumo Energy and free registration to exhibit during the festival. His work will also be featured prominently in Adelaide and throughout South Australia in the lead-up to and during the festival, scheduled from 21 February to 23 March 2025.

David Holman, CEO of Lumo Energy, shared: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Adelaide Fringe by supporting the 2025 Poster Competition. John Peder’s work is an extraordinary representation of the creativity and diversity that Adelaide Fringe embodies.”

To commemorate his achievement, Pedder released a limited edition print of Are We Almost There? These signed prints are available for purchase and proceeds will be donated to Adelaide Fringe Arts Unlimited, a charity that supports artists, venues and disadvantaged groups.

Heather Croall, Director and CEO of Adelaide Fringe, congratulated Peder, noting the global interest and high quality of entries received this year. “John’s design stood out because it really captured the spirit of the Fringe and worked well across the many platforms used to promote the Fringe,” she said.

The largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Adelaide Fringe is renowned for its dynamic and open approach to showcasing a wide range of artistic genres. The festival has a history of almost 70 years and is an integral part of promoting both new and established talent from around the world. The event brings together thousands of artists across 500 South Australian venues, making it a vibrant hub of cultural interaction and creativity.

Shows including LIMBO – The Return, 27 Club and Infamous are on sale now, with early bookings encouraged ahead of the full program on December 6th.

For more information on purchasing tickets and to stay up to date with early episodes of the show, visitors can access http://adlfrin.ge/FringeTIX-25.