Cécile Gariépy Wins Adelaide Fringe 2027 Poster Competition

Adelaide-based illustrator Cécile Gariépy has taken out the Adelaide Fringe 2027 Poster Competition with a colourful, playful design featuring hand-shaped clay characters.

Adhering to the 2027 theme of "Fringe for everyBODY", the poster reflects Adelaide Fringe's aim of creating an inclusive festival for everyone, from artists to the audience and everyone in between.

Gariépy's winning artwork uses hand-shaped clay figures representing a diverse range of body shapes, giving each character its own personality.

With more than 15 years of experience, Gariépy, who some may recognise through her murals in Blackwood and at Brightstar Brewing in Thebarton, has worked with The New York Times, alongside international publishers and cultural institutions.

"When reading the brief for the 2027 Fringe poster, my immediate thoughts went to building something with clay. There was something about the material that felt right straight away: it's tactile, imperfect, and shaped entirely by hand, qualities that helped me create figures reflecting the diversity of real bodies," Gariépy said. 

"I've always loved making characters that feel wonky and human, and clay let me take that desire further. All the characters carry the marks of being pressed and pinched into form. Their imperfections aren't flaws; they're the point! They make each of them feel like an individual person, with their own personality and presence."

As the winner of the Adelaide Fringe 2027 Poster Competition, proudly supported by Adelaide University, Gariépy joins a long line of accomplished artists whose work has helped shape the Fringe.

Chosen from 360 entries, including 281 from South Australia and 24 international entries from 13 countries, Gariépy receives a cool $10,000 cash prize thanks to Adelaide University, as well as free artist registration, which will be held for her to use in 2028. 

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Adelaide Fringe CEO Marc Carnes said: "There's something special about seeing a new Fringe poster for the first time. It's a little invitation to start imagining the events you’ll see, the people you’ll go with and the experiences you haven’t discovered yet. 

"Cécile's work finds so much personality in people and the ways we connect. That's a lovely starting point for 'Fringe for everyBODY', because Fringe is made by all of us, whether we’re on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience. We’re delighted to welcome her into this much-loved tradition."

Adelaide University Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, said: "Adelaide University is proud to continue its partnership with Adelaide Fringe, helping shape the State's creative future. 

"Our foundation is formed from a long history of excellence in the arts, alongside a suite of programs designed to broadening access to arts and culture. 

"Supporting the poster competition exemplifies how working with the Adelaide Fringe allows us to support emerging talent and creative experimentation, while strengthening meaningful connections between artists, industry, students and communities. 

"This collaboration removes barriers to accessing the arts and ensures more people across South Australia can engage with world-class creative experiences. It reflects our commitment to equity, access and cultural leadership in action."

Deputy Premier Kyam Maher said: "The Fringe poster is one of those familiar signs that Adelaide is getting ready for a very special time of year. It builds anticipation, starts conversations and gives people their first glimpse of the season ahead. 

"Congratulations to Cécile on becoming part of this South Australian tradition. Her journey from Montréal to making her home and creating work here in Adelaide is a wonderful reminder of the artists and ideas our state welcomes, and the connections that grow from that."

The winning artwork will feature across Adelaide Fringe posters, signage, digital channels, merchandise and marketing materials, becoming part of the visual identity of the 2027 season. 

To celebrate the poster reveal, Adelaide Fringe is offering 25% off Fringe Memberships for 24 hours. To receive the discount code, sign up to Fringe eNews or comment on the poster reveal post on Adelaide Fringe’s Instagram or Facebook account. 

Adelaide Fringe 2027 runs from Friday 19 February to Sunday 21 March 2027. More information about next year's program is available at adelaidefringe.com.au.