Dear Fringer, Welcome to 'Find Your Fringe'...
Welcome from Megan Dart, Executive Director, and Murray Utas, Artistic Director.
Fringe was started by a scrappy bunch of Artists with a dream.
It’s championed today by a scrappy bunch of Artists who still care about that dream.
‘Round here, we are dedicated to the dream of making it: making art, making community, making change, making memories.
Our currency is kindness. We share in abundance. We aim to create a space where fringing is for everyone, and everyone is fringing. You are radically welcome here.
We welcome more than 1,600 Artists; 1,000 Volunteers; and hundreds of thousands of Fringers to the heart of Old Strathcona for the 43rd edition of North America’s largest, longest running Fringe Theatre Festival. This time of togetherness is precious.
Thank you. For seeing shows. Tossing a few bills into an outdoor performer’s hat. Sipping a cool one in the tents. High-fiving a Volunteer for their passion and service. Telling an Artist how much their work moves you. Finding your love for art. Bringing a pal who’s never fringed before along for the ride. Donating to ensure generations of storytellers and story-lovers continue to come together for many more years. For being here.
You being here matters.
Happy fringing!
Megan Dart, Executive Director
Murray Utas, Artistic Director
Welcome from MJ Belcourt Moses, Indigenous Director
Together, let us celebrate and amplify Indigenous voices, stories, and artistic expressions. Art heals, educates, and inspires change. By showcasing a diverse range of Indigenous performances at our Festival, from traditional to contemporary, we foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures, while challenging stereotypes
and nurturing cultural exchange. This Festival experience celebrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples, while promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and social justice.
By embracing the principles of respect, reciprocity, and inclusion, we create a space where Indigenous Artists shine, where audiences engage with diverse perspectives, and where the transformative power of art inspires meaningful change.
Where the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns stands today is a “meeting place” or “waiting place” known in Nêhiyawêwin as pêhonân, where for time immemorial people have gathered to share in
community, story, feast, and celebration. We honour the tradition and responsibility of upholding the intention of this meeting place through intentional curation. From KidsFringe to ATB Stage, and from our mikiwahp to our indoor stages, we invite you to celebrate Indigenous stories across Festival.
I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and vibrant celebration of Indigenous arts and culture that will leave a lasting impact on our community. Together, we embark on a journey towards a future where Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and celebrated on every stage.
MJ Belcourt Moses, Indigenous Director.