Born in part from the demise of the Pram Factory, the need for Melbourne Fringe became clear when it was noticed that the vast majority of artists presenting work at the then fledgling Adelaide Fringe were from Melbourne.

Clearly Melbourne was a city where a fringe festival could really flourish.

A coalition of independent artists announced plans for a week long Fringe to coincide with the 1983 Moomba Festival.

This inaugural Festival included 120 artists working in the fullest range of media in more than 22 locations across Melbourne.

Although run with virtually no funding, the event overcame individual financial constraints and offered support in the form of shared resources, venues, contacts, bookings etc., and was a great success.

With support from the new Labor Government, Melbourne Fringe was able to employ staff and purchase office equipment.

The organisation was up and running.

The following year saw Melbourne host the first of three Spoleto Festivals and Melbourne Fringe became the Melbourne Piccolo Spoleto Fringe Festival and ran in conjunction with that event. Upon the demise of Spoleto and the creation of the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts (now the Melbourne International Arts Festival), Melbourne Fringe reclaimed its old name.

 

Fringe Posters from top: 1989, 1992.