CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF FRINGE FESTIVALS

The last three years have been challenging ones as we struggle with the fallout from the pandemic, inflation, and global unrest. It’s hard sometimes to remain upbeat and positive about the future. But even in these moments, I see plenty of reason to feel hopeful and excited.

If there’s anything these last three years has taught me it is how incredibly vital the arts are to our human psyche and well-being. Particularly in the Fringe World, where so much is about the wonderful diversity of artistic expressions –providing us an outlet for human connection and inter-activity. It’s a world in which we are free - and encouraged! - to ‘think outside the box’; exploring different ways in which to express, share, and to celebrate the stories we all have in new and exciting ways. Each of us embracing what makes us unique and special while at the same time, finding out how similar we are in our own shared experiences.

I want to thank you, the audience, for being willing to take that leap of faith into the Fringe World and trying something outside your norm. For expanding your hearts and minds to new possibilities, thoughts, and ideas. For truly embracing the spirit of Fringe and coming out to see these shows. Your support means the world to these artists whose talents inspire each and every day – something I’m always in constant admiration of.

As a CAFF member Festival, we strive to give artists space in which to share their stories in a way that best showcases how they want to tell it, with 100% of the ticket price going directly back to them.

Stretch yourself. See a show you know nothing about. Bring someone along to share this experience with. And tell everyone you know about the Wonderful World of Fringe. It only takes a small pebble in the pond to cause a cascade of ripples with far reaching effects. All it takes is that first step …

Happy Fringing!

Hugs, Michele Gallant CAFF President

Fringe Board Of Directors

First, I want you to know that you—yes, you, the person reading this—are truly brilliant and are deserving of all that you dream up. I hope these words provide a bit of inspiration and strength to keep going and growing. Be, and be well!

I wrote these remarks back in mid-April, from a hotel room in New York City. I was there for a conference and thought it wise to look into seeing a Broadway show. Several of the shows— and are you ready for this?—“started from” $100 a ticket… USD! Correct, if I wanted to check out a Broadway show I’d likely be paying $140 CAD, or more, to gain access. In that moment, I was reminded of the critical importance of the Fringe and why I’ve proudly served as Board Chair over six years. Accessibility comes in so many forms, and by providing a platform for audiences to see shows at a ticket price that enables access for a wider range of people, we ensure as many people as possible have access to art, to creativity, and to novel experiences.

Of course, while we’re fighting to keep ticket prices and fees low and because Fringe gives all— yes, all—of the box office revenue to these amazing creators and artists, this important charity called Toronto Fringe needs your help to stay true to its mandate. Your generous donations are our life force, so we’re asking you to give, to get others to give, and to give again if you’re able. To keep Fringe going strong, we’ve launched a $500,000 fundraising campaign for the 2023 calendar year and hope you’ll work alongside us as we push towards meeting this goal. Check out the website, Tip the Fringe, or call the Fringe Office as ways to donate.

And for those inquiring minds, I didn’t end up seeing a show while in the Big Apple. The thought of seeing up to 12 Fringe shows for that amount while supporting local artists was, at that moment, my New York state of mind.

Create a great day,

Chair, Board of Directors, Toronto Fringe and President and Managing Partner, BIPOC Executive Search Inc.