Melbourne Fringe was founded in 1982 and is an umbrella organisation supporting and advising a large number of independently run arts companies, artists and events.

Melbourne Fringe Festival, the principal activity of the organisation, aims to bring the most contemporary, innovative and trend-setting work created and presented by independent artists, to the broader Melbourne audience.

We pride ourselves on presenting the best in new, creative ideas.

The State Government, through Arts Victoria, and City of Melbourne provide the base funding for the Melbourne Fringe administration to enable the presentation of what is seen as the seed-bed of important, and necessary, cultural activities. This aspect of the Festival often leads to artists presenting a development of their work, not only in Melbourne, but also interstate and internationally. The exchange and development of ideas and art is a priority for Melbourne Fringe.

Despite our growth over the past two decades, we have never lost sight of the primary reason we exist - to resource and support the creation and presentation of new art. We will continue to do this by initiating programs that respond to contemporary practice and the needs of artists as they emerge.

As a wide-ranging project, Melbourne Fringe provides opportunities for the training of participants in every aspect of arts management, production, marketing and creativity.

The strong independent arts scene in Melbourne, which flourishes year-round, is highlighted, in all its complexity at the time of the Fringe Festival.

Around 90% of the work presented in the Festival is from Melbourne, which is unique for a fringe festival.

The Melbourne Fringe Festival is one of a kind and will continue to be so.

 

Festival Posters from top: 2003, 2007.