Melbourne Fringe democratises the arts. We have a vision of cultural democracy – empowering anyone to realise their right to creative expression.

We champion discovery and experimentation, supporting the development and presentation of artworks by, with, and for the people of Melbourne. We run the annual Melbourne Fringe Festival, the year-round venue Fringe Common Rooms at Trades Hall, and a range of arts sector leadership programs that uplift and mobilise our community.

We started life in 1982 as the Fringe Art Network, and now in our 41st year (we look great for our age, don’t you think?) we remain committed to our roots – a collaborative, encouraging, representing and uniting of artists of all disciplines. Over four decades we have matured to become one of our state’s most significant and adventurous arts organisations.

We usher artists forward from the fringes, champion big new ideas and help new work find its audience. We work year-round as educators, promoters, advocates, and creators. We are supporters, we are challengers, we rock the boat and we question the status quo. And we love a cheeky party or two.