Step inside the world of Fringe and celebrate 40 years of unforgettable experiences, as told by the artists, teams and audiences who make it all possibleStep inside the world of Fringe and celebrate 40 years of unforgettable experiences, as told by the artists, teams and audiences who make it all possible

CELEBRATING FRINGE

State Library Victoria and Melbourne Fringe Festival are exploring the past, present and future of Fringe like never before in an immersive exhibition and performance space that's yours to revel in.

Step inside the world of Fringe and celebrate 40 years of unforgettable experiences, as told by the artists, teams and audiences who make it all possible, while dreaming of what the next 40 years will be like.

CELEBRATING FRINGE
Opening hours

10am to 6pm daily, closes 9 July 2023

Location

State Library Victoria

Bookings

Free exhibition, no bookings required

Online publication

Dive even deeper into the archive of Melbourne Fringe through our digital publication, including curatorial insights and an incomplete history of the festival.

Video interviews

Explore the history of Melbourne Fringe through the eyes of the artists and performers who were there.

Ian Pidd

Freelance theatre and festival director Ian Pidd reflects on the festival's welcoming energy.

Maude Davey

Actor, writer and director Maude Davey shares her memories of the remarkable and rambunctious Fringe street parades.

Maxine Briggs

Victorian Indigenous Research Centre Elder-In-Residence Maxine Briggs shares how the festival amplified First Nations voices.

Sammy J

Comedian Sammy J praises the freedom of expression and experimentation he's found at Melbourne Fringe.

Podcast

Join us as we unpack some of the ideas and dilemmas that lie at the heart of Fringe's past, present and future in a brand new podcast.

This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Robert Salzer Foundation and the Besen Family Foundation.

EVENTS

Uncover a world of Melbourne Fringe Festival wonders.

The Rest Is Up To You: SCRIBE
 10:30am–1:30pm and 2:30pm–5:30pm

Free

Art on the Fringe: Forty Years of Melbourne Fringe
 7:00pm–8:30pm

$25, $20 for concession and State Library Victoria Cultural Members, free for First Nations people

Radical Access: The Future of Access in the Arts
 7:00pm–9:00pm

Free

ACCESSIBILITY

Melbourne Fringe is for everyone and committed to access and inclusion for all. Click the button below for accessibility details and resources.

Tell your story

We're seeking stories from the millions of artists, audiences, volunteers, staff and supporters who have shaped the last 40 years of Fringe history. Whatever your story, big or small, profound or mundane, we want to hear it through the Melbourne Fringe Storybank.

Exhibition partners