CAFF Membership Adopts New Values & Commitments
In February 2026, the Membership of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) formally adopted a new Values & Commitments framework.
The result of a multi-year review and consultation process, the Values & Commitments reflect the shared beliefs that unite our Member Festivals while recognizing the diversity of our communities, organizational models, and local contexts. The framework also establishes the commitments Members agree to uphold as part of their participation in CAFF.
The document is organized into two sections:
- Core Values of the Fringe Movement – the shared principles that guide our work and vision for the future of Fringe.
- Membership Commitments – the minimum standards all CAFF Members agree to uphold while maintaining the flexibility to serve their communities in ways that reflect their unique needs.
The adoption of the Values & Commitments marks an important milestone for the Association as we continue to support a healthy, evolving, and artist-centred Fringe movement across North America.
Passed by Membership: February 2026
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Supporting Independent Artists Across Borders
The Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) is closely monitoring the challenges member festivals and independent artists are facing due to the current political turmoil between the Canada and the United States Governments. The recent tariffs and resulting travel advisories have made cross-border touring increasingly stressful, limiting opportunities for artists to share their work and connect with audiences.
Fringe Festivals have always been a space for bold storytelling, boundary-pushing art, and cross-cultural exchange. From the beginning, this has meant that Fringe Festivals are often a place where marginalized artists are able to showcase their work, a value we remain committed to today. CAFF supports our Member Festivals in delivering the best possible experience for all artists, regardless of where they call home. We are encouraging our Members and touring artists to stay informed by regularly checking travel advisories to ensure their safety.
Now, more than ever, it is essential to uplift independent artists. At Fringe Festivals, 100% of the ticket price goes directly to the artists, ensuring their voices are heard, their work is valued, and their stories continue to reach the communities that need them. Art is a powerful force for connection, empathy, and impact—and we are here to support ALL artists.
The Fringe movement was born out of grassroots resilience; a do-it-yourself spirit that challenges the status quo in the name of storytelling, community, and togetherness. No matter the barriers, we will continue to champion artists and create spaces where their work thrives—because art knows no borders.
#FringeStrong #SupportIndependentArtists #ArtKnowsNoBorders
CAFF welcomes a new President
The Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals is pleased to announce that Megan Dart has been elected as the new President of CAFF, for a three-year term.
Megan has served as the Executive Director of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival for the past five years. She brings 19 years’ experience in major event production, public and media relations, advocacy, marketing, and strategic communications. Megan was named one of the Top 100 Women in Business by the Wanderer Online, is a University of Grant MacEwan Distinguished Alumni, and a recipient of the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund award.
Along with Megan, Nick Mataragas (Elgin Fringe) continues to serve as Vice-President; Tori Popp (Winnipeg Fringe) continues to serve as Treasurer; and Duncan Watts-Grant (Vancouver Fringe) continues to serve as Secretary. They are joined by Members at Large Chris Stanton (Hamilton Fringe); Emmett MacMillen (Victoria Fringe); and Laura Paduch (Toronto Fringe).
The CAFF Directors are grateful for the support of our 32 CAFF Member Festivals and the dedicated community of artists, volunteers, and patrons across North America who make the Fringe movement one of the most important artistic contributions to the greater arts ecology.
Review and Update of the Guiding Principals
To continue to support our members and the Fringe movement, the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals is undertaking a comprehensive review of our guiding principles. This is a multi-year assessment process, and to ensure complete transparency as we undergo this critical work, the CAFF Directors have placed the Guiding Principles under review formally. CAFF is committed to ensuring the language evolves with the values of our movement as the Association enters its third decade.
Statement regarding funding cuts in Florida
The Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) calls on leaders and policymakers to recognize the indispensable value of the arts and to support and invest in these vital cultural institutions. The arts are not a luxury; they are a necessity for a thriving, dynamic, and inclusive society.
Fringe Festivals represent a 42-year tradition of freedom of expression. We are meeting places where experience, perspective, diversity, and passion are explored, uplifted, and celebrated through the transformative power of the arts.
CAFF is a member-driven service organization that nurtures the health of the Fringe festival movement across North America. We represent more than 32 festivals and are part of a network of more than 200 Fringe festivals worldwide.
CAFF stands in unwavering solidarity with our fellow member festivals and artists in Florida. The recent veto of arts funding in Florida, accompanied by statements that mischaracterize our events, deeply concerns us.
Fringe began as a grassroots movement where anyone can be an Artist. We make space for all disciplines of art and all artists, including the out-of-the-ordinary and unconventional. Fringe Festivals are not-for-profit organizations, existing primarily to provide Artists with the tools, resources, and opportunities to share their stories with engaged audiences, fostering a rich cultural economy.
Together, we grow the arts ecology in our communities, across Canada and the United States, and around the world. We create exceptional artistic experiences, build communities, propel artistic careers, and put our cities on the map as destinations and creative engines.
A vibrant, healthy local arts scene is an essential component of every community. Major events like Fringe festivals drive economic impact, create jobs, help tourism thrive, and attract sponsorship investment. In 2023, CAFF festivals returned more than $3.5M back to performing artists in North America.
Arts and culture are fundamental to the health and vibrancy of society. They inspire us, challenge us, and bring us together. Fringe festivals are crucial spaces for marginalized voices and artists to be heard and seen. They contribute to the cultural fabric of our communities and provide an essential service that extends well beyond our collective economic impact.
To our friends and colleagues in Florida: we stand with you. Your work is invaluable, and your voices matter. Together, we will continue to champion the arts and ensure that Fringe festivals remain a vibrant and essential part of our global cultural landscape.
Signed,
The CAFF Board of Directors
Media Inquiries may be emailed to CAFF at president@fringefestivals.com.
