Lordy, lordy, we’re turning 40.
This year we turn 40 years old, meaning we’ve been supporting artists 24x7x365x40! Over four decades, Melbourne Fringe has led the game-changing city-shaping artist-making revolutions that have transformed our culture. We’ve got big plans for the next four decades, but we need a hand (preferably one with a wallet in it) to make it all into a reality.
Every dollar you give will be matched by some of our amazing donors, effectively meaning your donation will do double the work with out you having to lift a finger.
We’re gunning towards a goal of $80,000 (40K to celebrate our past and another 40K to secure our future).
All you have to do is help us get to the first 40 grand with some tax-deductible gift-giving, so our legendary double-or-nothing donors can get us to the big 80K.
Fringe Fund is our game-changing new approach to ensuring our vision of cultural democracy has the financial resources to be realised. And because we don’t mess around, we also run creative workshops, info sessions, and offer one-on-one assistance all year long, with cultural equity at the forefront of everything we do.
So, give us your money (pretty please!), and choose from the following three funds:
Just select the fund of your choice at checkout (or you can leave us to decide!)
I’m sold. So how do I donate?
Legacy Program:
Why not give your money to Fringe - the child you always wanted (and never knew you had)?!?
Etch yourself into the arts Hall of Fame with a posthumous gift to the Melbourne Fringe.
To find out about how you can leave a gift in your will, go here.
Melbourne Fringe is on the Register of Cultural Organisations under Subdivision 30-B of the income Assessment Act 1997 and is endorsed by the Australian Tax Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). But all you need to know is that every donation of $2 or more is tax-deductible.
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We know, we don’t look a day over 30, but we’re turning 40 this year.
Like all good friends, you might be looking to get us a special birthday (tax deductible) gift. We’ve put together this gift registry of things we actually need so we can keep creating and innovating for the next 40 years, and avoid getting gifted yet ANOTHER air fryer.
Helping us reach new audiences by buying us Auslan Interpreters for shows or helping us open our festival with flare by shouting us a red (pink) carpet is the kind of stuff that really helps.
Every dollar you give will be matched by some of our amazing donors, meaning you get to double the size of your donation without lifting a finger! We’re gunning towards a goal of $80,000 (40K to celebrate our past and another 40K to secure our future).
All you have to do is help us get to the first $40,000 with some tax-deductible gift-giving, so our legendary double-or-nothing donors can get us to the big 80K.
All the items on our gift registry this year are inspired by some massive moments from the last 40 years (nostalgia comes with aging). Each gift will help us secure the future of Melbourne Fringe, but is also anchored to a critical moment in our history that has helped us be who we are today.
Whether you’ve got a $50 bill slipped on the inside of a card nanna-style, or you want to chuck us your whole Christmas bonus, gifts of any size will make a big difference to us.
If you’re having any issues or have questions about donating feel free to give us a call on 03 9660 9600 (10am – 6pm Mon to Fri) or email us at info@melbournefringe.com.au.
ITEM | DESCRIPTION | SIGNIFICANCE | NUMBER AVAILABLE | DONATION PER ITEM | |
Secure the future of Melbourne Fringe ![]() |
Description
We need to invest in our future and that means securing investment in our core base. This is the game changer that helps us to make eveything happen. Are you able to help us realise our ambition? |
Significance
In 2022, core funding makes up just 6% of our turnover. That’s 94% of our income we make to keep the doors open. |
Number Available
4 of 4
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Donation Per Item
$25000
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Buy us a Deadly Fringe new work commission ![]() |
Description
Support an emerging First Nations artist by paying a commissioning fee for a new work to premiere in Melbourne Fringe. Whose land are you on? |
Significance
In 2017, Melbourne Fringe launched Deadly Fringe in partnership with our friends at Ilbijerri Theatre and the Wilin Centre, with our first two commissions, Biladurang by Joel Bray and dis place led by Kate ten Buuren. |
Number Available
1 of 1
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Donation Per Item
$10000
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Buy us a new commission – a cabaret show that helps us imagine the future of the arts ![]() |
Description
As part of our 40th birthday, we are commissioning new works that help us plan the next 40 years of Melbourne Fringe – this cabaret show will explore art in the year 2042. What does the future of art look like in 2042? |
Significance
In 2002, 20 years ago, Melbourne Fringe was smaller and messier but still fueled by the same spirit. In 20 years’ time, in 2042, what will it look like? |
Number Available
1 of 1
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Donation Per Item
$5000
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Buy us a specially commissioned wearable artwork created by a First Nations fashion designer ![]() |
Description
This year’s Festival features a First Nations fashion parade by amazing emerging designers. Can you imagine what bold wearable fashion-art will be created? |
Significance
In 1996, Fringe Fashion launched as one of the keynote projects of Melbourne Fringe, with wild events at the Metro (RIP) and more. |
Number Available
4 of 4
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Donation Per Item
$2500
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Buy us 4 x Festival registrations for artists from marginalised backgrounds (so they can participate for free) ![]() |
Description
Our Ralph Mclean microgrants pays registration fees (and other things) for artists who can’t otherwise afford it, so that everyone can be part of Melbourne Fringe. Will you help reduce barriers to access? |
Significance
In 2015, we launched our first microgrants program supported by philanthropy (it was just $2500 in total at the time – it’s now grown infinitely that’s to our beautiful donors). |
Number Available
10 of 10
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Donation Per Item
$1790
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Buy us a digital broadcast so regional audiences, disabled audiences and folks at home with kids can still participate in the Fringe from home ![]() |
Description
Help us cover the costs of a film crew, cameras, editing and broadcast for a live event that we can turn into amazing digital content. What shows got you through lockdown? |
Significance
In 2013, Melbourne Fringe launched the Digital Creatures program began supporting digital artists to create and present their work on screen. |
Number Available
3 of 3
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Donation Per Item
$1000
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Buy us 10 metres of pink carpet for our opening night party ![]() |
Description
We’re planning an opening night gala to end all galas – it’s our 40th birthday and the first in-person Fringe in three years. We need a pink carpet (because red is boring) that will stretch down Lygon Street. What will you wear? |
Significance
In 2019, Melbourne Fringe moved to Trades Hall and we decked out the building with everything except the carpet. Oops. |
Number Available
10 of 10
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Donation Per Item
$750
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Buy us staff counselling sessions with qualified psychologists ![]() |
Description
The arts sector has taken a big hit over the last few years, and this includes arts workers. We have a employee assistance program which provides free counselling sessions to Fringe staff. We could all use a little help every now and then. Will you help us pay for them? |
Significance
In 2020 and 2021 our Festivals went digital and everything was turned to chaos. We know you’re across it, but the trauma was real! |
Number Available
10 of 10
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Donation Per Item
$500
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Buy us an artist fee to pay a nude performer at Club Fringe ![]() |
Description
Celebrating our bodies in all their brilliant shapes, sizes and colours is part of Fringe’s ethos, think ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’. Where better to spend some time reveling in every nook and cranny of the naked human body than at Club Fringe? |
Significance
In 2002, thousands of Melburnians posed nude for Spencer Tunick as part of a massive Fringe project. I was there, were you? |
Number Available
10 of 10
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Donation Per Item
$350
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Buy us an Auslan interpreter for a Fringe gig ![]() |
Description
We make sure every Fringe produced event is Auslan interpreted as part of our best practice approach to accessibility. Can you sign your name in Auslan? |
Significance
In 2016, Deafferent Theatre premiered their work Black Is The Colour at the Festival Hub in North Melbourne and we’ve had a focused Deaf artist support program ever since. |
Number Available
20 of 20
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Donation Per Item
$275
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Buy us artist materials subsidy for a Design Fringe artist facing disadvantage ![]() |
Description
We support designers facing financial disadvantage by helping to pay for materials for their furniture design artworks. Care to take a seat? |
Significance
In 1986, the first Fringe Furniture was held and it has continued annually to this day as one of the most loved and important components of Melbourne Fringe (but it’s now called Design Fringe!) |
Number Available
10 of 10
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Donation Per Item
$150
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Buy us 5 pieces of birthday cake for 5 artists ![]() |
Description
Everyone needs a cake on their birthday! Help us pay for the massive, gigantic, enormous cake we’ll make to celebrate our 40th birthday. We’ll be sure that every artist gets a slice! What’s your flavour? |
Significance
In 1982, Melbourne Fringe was born with an event at the City Square where Melbourne’s artists baked cakes before the Fringe Arts Network covered them in chocolate and cut it up with a giant sword (really!) |
Number Available
100 of 100
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Donation Per Item
$50
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