What is a Fringe Festival?
Fringe Festivals serve as an inclusive space for all artists, whether emerging or established, providing a space for them to showcase their work. Artists pay a nominal fee to participate, but receive subsidies that cover the remainder of costs. Artists also receive all the profits from ticket sales. This ‘artist-first’ approach fosters an environment of true creativity and experimentation.
The Fringe movement started in Edinburgh in 1947 as an uncurated festival where anyone could be an artist. Fringes came to North America in 1982, first in Edmonton AB, and then Vancouver in 1985. Canadian Fringes now select the participating artists by a lottery draw. This method aims to reduce gatekeeping, improve equity, and create space for independent artists.
Canadian Fringe Festivals are all part of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals, a membership organization that holds the trademark for the word ‘Fringe’ in Canada and supports the 32 Member Festivals across Canada and the USA.
The Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society was formed in 1983 by a group of local artists who had a common goal: to provide a platform for independent artists. The society held its first Fringe Festival in 1985. We now hold the annual Vancouver Fringe Festival every September.
We foster a community of independent and emerging performing artists as part of the Fringe circuit that tours across North America. We are committed to breaking traditional barriers and offering a welcoming and accessible setting for audiences of diverse backgrounds to experience the magic of live performance. Through the lottery draw, we create a radically welcoming space where everyone can be an artist.
The Vancouver Fringe has operated on and around Granville Island since 2001. Over 11 days, we showcase unique art and create a community where everyone is united by a shared love for the art of performance. Today the festival sees 12,000 attendees and is facilitated by over 350 volunteers who graciously support the Fringe. Our Fringe is a place where lifelong friendships and connections are formed, whether you’re mingling at the Fringe bar or queuing up for a show.
The Vancouver Fringe aims to be a home for artists and audiences alike and to create space for art, joy, community, and belonging.
