Who We Are
The mission of Capital Fringe, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is to connect exploratory artists with adventurous audiences by creating outlets and spaces for creative, cutting-edge, and contemporary performance in the District.
Fringe consists of a small and dedicated staff, a committed 9-member board, 30 venue owner/operators, more than 200 artists groups, hundreds of volunteers, and more than 20,000 audience members. It takes all of these to create the July explosion that is the Capital Fringe Festival. The uniqueness, variety, and accessibility of Fringe Festival performances challenge existing arts audiences and attracts non-traditional audiences to the performing arts. By connecting these audiences and artists in a dynamic and exciting way over a relatively short period of time each year, the Fringe encourages the economic growth and social well-being of the city and is a major contributor to the cultural life and character of District of Columbia. Capital Fringe was awarded the Mayors Arts Award for Innovation in the Arts in 2007. Also, the Momentum Award from the Downtown DC BID.
Impact/Results
numbers
Tickets Sold 2006
18,983
Tickets Sold 2007
19,996
Artist Ticket Revenue 2006
$181,630.18
Artist Ticket Revenue 2007
$204,749.66
Where is our audience from?
41% DC Residents, 20% Maryland, 24% Virginia, 15% outside of the area
Where are our artists from?
44% DC Residents, 34% Maryland, 16% Virginia, 18% outside of the area
How do they spend their money?
Accommodation 6%, Food 18%, Souvenirs & Gifts 10%, Tickets 50%, local shops 17%
artist development
With 76% of our artist producing outside of Fringe, paying themselves – we are keeping and fostering our self-producing artists here in the District. Artist’s Ticket Revenue in 2006 was $181,630.18 – in 2007 $204,749.66. Fringe provides artists with a forum to develop their work and the tools to self-produce here in the District. It is with the further development of our programs that we will begin to multiply our impact and broaden the skills our artists.
what are they saying?
artist survey 2007
“It was lovely being part of the Fringe - we created a great show that will continue to run in other theaters and we had an amazing response from the audience!“
“My artistic work grew because of the Festival. I took risks and wrote my first script.”
“This was the best Fringe experience of the four festivals we participated in this year.”
audience development
In 2006 we sold 18,983 tickets in 2007 19,996 tickets. This is only the beginning – we have not reached our potential. With 41% of our audiences from the District we have yet to understand our impact on tourism like other festivals here in the District i.e. Cherry Blossom Festival and the Folk Life Festival. It is through the acquiring of the right tools as an organization and implementing them we will attract tourists and broaden our audience base.
what are they saying?
audience survey 2007
“It was just laid back fun. Getting to see people who weren't "big time" but they were dedicated (and very talented) to their art forms. It was incredibly affordable. Thanks!”
“The very essence of the Fringe -- everything that it represents. DC is such a stodgy town and it's wonderful to see non-blockbuster style arts thriving here. A great opportunity to see DC artists. I've gotten to see lots of new theater spaces because of the Fringe Festival.”
“Affordability. Accessibility. Variety. Diversity. - including the quality of acts and artists and venues.”
