What is CAFF?
The Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) is an arts service organization supporting Fringe Festivals in North America since 1992. Its membership is comprised of 30 Fringe Festivals that have a similar structure based on shared Values and Commitments. The Association provides mentorship, professional development, and support for its members.
Mission & Vision
The mission of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals is to unite, support, empower and strengthen Member Festivals in order to cultivate and foster independent artistic exploration for artists and audiences across North America.
Together, CAFF Member Festivals create vital opportunities for independent artists to develop their work, build audiences, and sustain their artistic practice. In the last three years alone, CAFF Festivals have returned more than $10 million in box office revenue directly to artists.
Values & Commitments
In February 2026, CAFF Membership adopted a new Values & Commitments framework that reflects the shared values of the Fringe movement and the commitments upheld by Member Festivals across North America
Artistic Opportunity is Fundamental
CAFF Member Festivals champion artistic expression and artist-driven experiences.
Fringes Respond to Local Needs
Each Festival serves its own community and evolves alongside it.
Fringe is Rooted in Access and Equity
Member Festivals are committed to ongoing work in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Fringe is Vital to the Larger Cultural Ecosystem
Fringe Festivals support independent Artists and strengthen the broader performing arts sector.
Fringe and Fringe Festival are registered trademarks of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) and cannot be used without expressed written permission from the Association. This trademark allows CAFF to ensure that any theatre festival in Canada that wishes to call itself “Fringe” must abide by our shared Values & Commitments.
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