In February 2026, the Membership of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals adopted a new Values & Commitments framework. This document outlines the shared values that unite CAFF Member Festivals and the commitments Members agree to uphold as part of their participation in the Association.
The Values & Commitments replace the former Guiding Principles framework and reflect the continued evolution of the Fringe movement.
Part 1: Core Values of the Fringe Movement
These are the shared beliefs that unite all Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) Member Festivals. They are not prescriptive rules, but deeply held convictions that define what we aspire to achieve as a Fringe Festival Movement. Festivals uphold these values in the interest of collectively strengthening the movement.
- Artistic Opportunity is Fundamental
Our Festivals champion platforming artistic expression. Artistic innovation and originality is essential to the health and evolution of the movement. Festivals exist to connect Artists with Audiences and with one another through authentic, Artist-driven experiences.
- Fringes Respond to Local Needs
Our Festivals respond to the needs of their ecosystems, geography, and communities. They deliver programming that responds to their unique markets. As cultural landscapes shift, our Festivals shift with it. Festivals are not static and are constantly improving and evolving. Our Festivals create spaces of care and connection, where community is nurtured, diversity is essential, and everyone can bring their whole selves.
- Fringe is Rooted in Access and Equity
Our Festivals recognize that equity, diversity, inclusivity, and access are ongoing and distinctly intersectional commitments. Our Festivals listen to, learn from, and respond to the evolving needs of the communities that they serve in their unique regions.
- Fringe is Vital to the Larger Cultural Ecosystem
Our Festivals are in service to each other as part of a network that reaches across North America. Our Festivals are vital and necessary to the larger performing arts sector as a critical place for independent Artists at all stages of their careers. The Fringe Movement serves as essential cultural infrastructure, as the bedrock for artistic opportunities and careers for arts workers.
Part 2: Membership Commitments
These are the minimum standards CAFF Member Festivals agree to uphold. They ensure consistency in values and experience across the Fringe Movement, while allowing for local flexibility and operational autonomy. All CAFF Members agree to uphold and follow these commitments as part of their Membership. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action against a Member Festival. Canadian Members must uphold these commitments as a condition of the Fringe Festival trademark.
- Random Selection
- A core component of Festival presentations will be non-juried and/or utilize a random process (e.g. random draw, first-come-first-served). Festivals do not pre-approve these shows based on content.
- A core component of Festival presentations will be non-juried and/or utilize a random process (e.g. random draw, first-come-first-served). Festivals do not pre-approve these shows based on content.
- Artist-Centered Financial Model
- 100% of net ticket revenue goes to the Artist; and
- Festivals must clearly communicate any additional fees or deductions passed on to the Artist and/or Audience.
- Transparency with Artists
- Festivals commit to clear, consistent communication with Artists. This includes outlining mutual expectations, detailing what Artists can expect from the Festival, and specifying what the Festival requires from Artists. We foster a collaborative relationship built on clarity, trust, and shared responsibility to ensure a supportive and mutually beneficial Festival experience.
- Festivals commit to clear, consistent communication with Artists. This includes outlining mutual expectations, detailing what Artists can expect from the Festival, and specifying what the Festival requires from Artists. We foster a collaborative relationship built on clarity, trust, and shared responsibility to ensure a supportive and mutually beneficial Festival experience.
- Inclusivity and Codes of Conduct
- Festivals should address and, where possible remove barriers created by financial inequity, systemic marginalization, and/or inaccessible environments that could prevent Artists, Audiences, Volunteers, and Staff from participating in the Fringe movement.
- Festivals uphold the CAFF Safer Spaces policy and utilize their own Codes of Conduct policies to address incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Festivals reserve the right to remove productions and/or Artists that violate their Codes of Conduct.
- Active Participation in CAFF
- Members should engage with CAFF as a collaborative network to the best of their ability. At minimum, they must pay dues, participate in the Annual General Meeting (directly or by proxy), and uphold these shared Values & Commitments.
Passed by Membership: February 2026