More than half a dozen funded Dunedin acts assembled at Ironic Cafe, which will be the hub of next year's event.
The festival was allocated $22,500 in Creative New Zealand funding to develop 19 artistic works and the touring of work from outside Dunedin.
"This funding is the difference between these events happening or not," festival director Paul Smith said yesterday.
"It gives the artists the confidence and support they need to make their event happen.
"For out-of-town artists, it covers their travel costs, meaning some excellent high quality work [is] brought to Dunedin."
Nearly 40 applications were received from around New Zealand, seeking more than $70,000 of funding, Mr Smith said.
"Some of the artists who didn't receive funding decided to register their event anyway.
"This shows the commitment and passion these artists have for what they do."
More than 50 events and 250 artists will feature in the 2012 festival.
"The events registered cover all art forms, but with a focus on artistic innovation and experimentation. There is something for all tastes," Mr Smith said.
The festival will run from March 15 to 25.
