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Fringe season is almost underway and so are the big cultural questions.

In this pre-Fringe edition of The Arts Garden Podcast, James and Bronwin speak with artists confronting politics, identity, mental health and community in 2026.

🎭 Martha Lott (Holden Street Theatres) on The Debate, class satire in Eat the Rich, and why this year’s Fringe is bold, political and provocative.

📷 Alex Frayne (Adelaide Festival) on photographing America as an empire in slow decline; a three-month road trip from Los Angeles to New Orleans, shot on analogue film and transformed into an immersive LED exhibition.

🎤 Gillian Cosgriff on existential crisis, audience advice, and why humans still beat AI when it comes to wisdom.

🧠 Holly "Cookie" Baker & Travis Dempsey on creatives and wellbeing: burnout, comparison culture, gig economy pressure and redefining success in the arts.

🔥 Uncle Moogy Sumner on the Dupang Festival at the Coorong: cultural healing, land connection and rebuilding community through dance and story.

From Fringe theatre to empire decline.

From Harvard ambitions to Murray Mouth ceremony

From artistic burnout to collective renewal.

If you care about art, politics, creativity and staying sane in chaotic times, this one’s for you.

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