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Ethics, Diversity and Equity
Melbourne Fringe provides a platform for those on the margins of our society, inviting people in from the fringes and onto centre-stage to create, present or participate in just about anything you can imagine – and some things you can’t.
Through a range of programs and initiatives, we continue our commitment to reducing barriers to access, championing ethics and pushing for diversity and cultural equity in the arts.
While paperwork might not be the most glamourous parts of the arts, we recognise that actionable, accountable policies are needed to advance big ideas and track their progress. That’s why we’ve created three comprehensive documents that provide us with a map forward as we strive for equity in the arts. Over the next five years, our Equity Action Plan, our Reconciliation Action Plan, and our Deaf and Disability Inclusion Action Plan will guide our work as we continue to improve the representation and the cultural safety of people in our five communities of focus – First Nations people, Deaf and Disabled people, people of colour, women and non-binary people, and the LGBTQIA+ communities.
The world is fucked and we don’t pretend to have the answers.
The artists of Melbourne Fringe have opinions, perspectives and political positions as varied as the art they make.
We unequivocally state that Melbourne Fringe’s purpose is to create a platform for artistic freedom and free expression where different viewpoints by many people can be heard safely. We do not tolerate any hatred, racism, violence, vilification, bigotry or bullying.
We know that the arts can bring people together and foster inclusivity, and we implore our community to treat each other with empathy, respect and understanding of our differences.
Melbourne Fringe’s vision for reconciliation is a future where all Australians recognise and value First Nations cultures as one of the oldest continuing cultures in the world. A future where we take ownership of our shared histories and advocate for justice and equity for all Australians.
The aim of the RAP is to build on the organisation’s achievements to date, with a working group including First Nations and non-First Nations staff meeting regularly and engaging with our stakeholders and partners.
The RAP reflects our dedication to systemic change through measurable actions that prioritise opportunities, build respect and deepen relationships with First Nations Peoples.
The organisation is currently developing an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Our Equity Action Plan aims to improve the representation, visibility and cultural safety of our communities of focus. Developed as part of the Fair Play program run by Diversity Arts Australia, it guides our work across all our projects and includes short-term and long-term targets and quotas that will drive change.
Download our Equity Action Plan here.
Our Deaf and Disability Inclusion Action Plan guides our vision for a more accessible and inclusive Melbourne Fringe, for everyone. It helps us identify and remove barriers to access in all aspects of the organisation’s operations and programs as we strive to be leaders in the industry and advocate for disability and Deaf-led arts.
Download our Deaf and Disability Inclusion Plan here.
Participation in Melbourne Fringe’s programs is guided by two key principles: Freedom of Expression and Ensuring Community Safety. We do not assess or control our open access program, and our Community Guidelines help us champion a vision of cultural democracy for all within culturally safe spaces.
Download our Community Guidelines here.
Melbourne Fringe has robust policies around Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Child Safety and OH&S which apply to all employees, contractors, participants and volunteers.
Read our policies here.
