At the edge of creation and the forefront of artistic trends and ideas, Melbourne Fringe Festival is your chance to put new work in front of an extraordinary audience.

Registrations are now officially open for the Melbourne Fringe Festival (23 September – 11 October 2009) and we’re inviting all independent artists who can, should, or would like to contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic and engaged independent arts culture to help us shape the best Melbourne Fringe Festival ever.

The open access, non-curated format gives you space to explore, interpret and present current trends, themes, mediums and practices. And we connect you with a committed audience who eagerly anticipate the Festival each year.

So, if you think being a Melbourne Fringe Festival artist is right up your alley, then we’re here to help. We can advise you about negotiating with a venue, we offer forums that provide invaluable information and support, and we conduct a huge marketing and publicity campaign that draws an audience of 500,000 to see the full range of Melbourne Fringe Festival activities.  We’re also here for suggestions, feedback, cups of tea and a shoulder to cry on if necessary.

If you’ve suddenly remembered everything you’re yet to organise for your Melbourne Fringe show, take a deep breath, brew some camomile tea and remember that in order to register, all you need at this point is a venue, a title, show time info and a publicity image. Registrations close on Friday 12 June and we’re here, phones at the hip, ready to answer your questions.  We’ve been doing this for 25 years, so we’ve got a trick or two to share.

Jump on board. It’s going to be an incredible ride.

Fringe Furniture 2009 is now open for submissions, and it looks set to be the most dazzling and comprehensive exhibition yet. Fringe Furniture is celebrating its 25^th year of showcasing innovative, and experimental ideas. We want to see furniture, lighting, homewares, wearable objects, permanent and ephemeral works, all inspired by the 2009 theme of SILVER.  Fringe Furniture is a democratic platform where artists can create work free from the constraints of the commercial realm. It’s an experimental playground where ideas become as important as function. Fringe Furniture rocks. The submission deadline is 31 July, check out more info here: http://www.melbournefringe.com.au/corporate/2006/news/fringe-furniture

We’re beginning to swell our ranks as the Festival approaches, and if you think you’ve got something special to offer any of the below positions, we’d love to hear from you. If you're interested, please check out the detailed job descriptions here in the Taking Part section of our website.

Artist Development Coordinator
Alongside the management of a large and sprawling Festival, Melbourne Fringe runs a comprehensive artist development program throughout the year. This new position will coordinate all aspects of the program, under the direction of the Creative Producer and Independent Program Producer. This includes: our popular and successful Outside Eye program (mentoring, masterclasses, studio space and artist support), our Forums series and our Awards program, including coordinating the Judging process before and during the Festival.

Marketing Assistant
The Marketing Assistant works closely with the Marketing & Partnerships Manager to deliver the advertising, print, online and signage requirements for the 2009 Melbourne Fringe Festival. The Marketing Assistant also negotiates and liaises with our partners, coordinates events and writes copy.

Festival Assistant
The Festival Assistant provides administrative support to core Melbourne Fringe staff in delivering the independent arts’ most significant festival. Duties are varied and include artist liaison, registration processing and independent program support. The position often acts as a first point of contact for artists. This is a rare opportunity to gain significant experience and exposure to all facets of Festival administration and delivery.
 
Marketing Intern
The Marketing Intern works closely with the Marketing & Partnerships team to deliver specific marketing projects for the 2009 Melbourne Fringe Festival. Projects may include: developing and coordinating a school’s program, developing and coordinating a tourism campaign, supporting events, developing a market research project. The Marketing Intern will also support the Marketing Assistant with the advertising, print, online and signage requirements for the 2009 Melbourne Fringe Festival and help deliver the agreed benefits to our partners.

On your marks, get set…GO! Expressions of interest for the Melbourne Fringe Hub are open! We’re inviting expressions of interest earlier than ever this year, and keeping them open for longer. We want to allow more time to meet with artists, discuss their ideas, and bring together the most dynamic, exciting and innovative mix of shows possible. As the Melbourne Fringe Festival 09 really begins to take shape, this is your chance to provide the pulse for its lovely heart.

The Fringe Hub in North Melbourne is the buzzing base of Melbourne Fringe, with 9 performance spaces within a short walk of each other, a bar, and an irrepressible energy. The Fringe managed spaces at the Hub offer a unique and valuable experience, be you an emerging artist or well into your career, and they are always highly sought after. This year we’re after new and bold works, something freshly manifested from your brain space. 

All the application forms and technical paraphernalia are on our website, and applications close on Friday 8^th May, so get cracking!

If you are interested in applying, you should contact Beau McCafferty, Independent Program Producer, to discuss your ideas, on 9660 9600 or shoot him an email at beau@melbournefringe.com.au If you’re not up for the Hub, but still keen to take part, the general artist registrations will open from 25^th May 12^th June.

There’s boundless inspiration to be found within this bright metallic, associated with the moon and the human soul. Think silver birch timber, the silverpoint drawing techniques used by Medieval scribes, Judas’ bribe. Mohammed’s ring. The colour that is impossible to represent digitally will be sure to find moving, surprising, and beautiful representations through Fringe Furniture.

Fringe Furniture 2009 will be held at the Melbourne Museum, 23^rd September – 10^th October and registrations will open soon.  For more information, contact Fringe Furniture Producer Dan Honey on 9660 9600.

K2TOG [Knit Two Together]

The Age 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival is embarking on a very

Exciting - and top secret! – public art project that involves knitting

and YOU.

10am – 3:30pm, Saturday 2 August

Handspinners and Weavers Guild

12-20 Shakespeare St, Carlton North

On this day you will receive your instructions and materials required for the project. All catering will be provided.

All you need to bring is your knitting needles! (Any size)

To register your attendance or for more information contact:

Marie Williams on 03 5968 8655 or by emailing jimmarie@aapt.net.au

or Emma Power, K2TOG Producer, Melbourne Fringe on

9660 9600 or email emma@melbournefringe.com.au

All levels of knitting skills welcome!

Artist Registrations have closed for The Age 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival!

Festival Packs for artists who have completed their registrations will be posted out to you at the end of the month.

Our next Melbourne Fringe forum is 'Publicity and Marketing'. If you have a show or event in this year's festival this forum will be very useful for you.

Details will be posted on our website www.melbournefringe.com.au and published in our e-newsletter The Fix.

Visit the website and sign up to receive the Fix now!