FringeArts Seeks to Revitalize Year-Round Programming After Record-Breaking Festival Attendance
In a bid to expand its artistic offerings beyond its flagship festival in September, FringeArts has announced plans to bring back seasonal programming from January to May. The initiative comes on the heels of a remarkable 2025 festival season, which saw over 350 shows and events sell more than 35,000 tickets – a 15% increase from the previous year.
The new winter-spring season promises to be just as exciting, with a diverse lineup of performances, including a comedy show, solo exhibitions, and a run of an American musical. FringeArts Director and CEO Nell Bang-Jensen expressed her excitement about the upcoming programs, stating that they aim to bolster the vibrant artistic ecosystem in Philadelphia and provide opportunities for emerging artists.
One key aspect of this new initiative is the "Scratch Nights" series, where local artists can share their work-in-progress with peers and receive feedback. This will not only support the creative development of Philly's arts scene but also foster a sense of community among creatives.
Furthermore, FringeArts has established a residency program for three local artists in summer 2026. These emerging talents will have access to funding, mentorship opportunities, and the use of the FringeArts space – a unique opportunity to further their artistic pursuits.
With this expanded programming schedule, Bang-Jensen emphasized FringeArts' commitment to showcasing new works that push the boundaries of the performing arts. As she put it, "At FringeArts, we fill a unique niche where new work can take center stage." By prioritizing risk and innovation, the organization aims to become a hub for contemporary, experimental performance in Philadelphia.
In a bid to expand its artistic offerings beyond its flagship festival in September, FringeArts has announced plans to bring back seasonal programming from January to May. The initiative comes on the heels of a remarkable 2025 festival season, which saw over 350 shows and events sell more than 35,000 tickets – a 15% increase from the previous year.
The new winter-spring season promises to be just as exciting, with a diverse lineup of performances, including a comedy show, solo exhibitions, and a run of an American musical. FringeArts Director and CEO Nell Bang-Jensen expressed her excitement about the upcoming programs, stating that they aim to bolster the vibrant artistic ecosystem in Philadelphia and provide opportunities for emerging artists.
One key aspect of this new initiative is the "Scratch Nights" series, where local artists can share their work-in-progress with peers and receive feedback. This will not only support the creative development of Philly's arts scene but also foster a sense of community among creatives.
Furthermore, FringeArts has established a residency program for three local artists in summer 2026. These emerging talents will have access to funding, mentorship opportunities, and the use of the FringeArts space – a unique opportunity to further their artistic pursuits.
With this expanded programming schedule, Bang-Jensen emphasized FringeArts' commitment to showcasing new works that push the boundaries of the performing arts. As she put it, "At FringeArts, we fill a unique niche where new work can take center stage." By prioritizing risk and innovation, the organization aims to become a hub for contemporary, experimental performance in Philadelphia.
FringeArts is literally killing it with their new year-round programming 
! 15% increase in festival attendance is no joke 
. The fact that they're bringing back seasonal programs and adding new initiatives like Scratch Nights (I need to attend one of those ASAP!) is a total win for the local arts scene 
. It's awesome to see FringeArts investing in emerging artists and giving them a platform to shine 
. And can we talk about the residency program for summer 2026? 
That's like, the ultimate opportunity for creatives to take their art to the next level! I'm all for taking risks and pushing boundaries in the arts 
. FringeArts is truly becoming a hub for innovative performance in Philly – can't wait to see what they have in store for us in 2026 
.
and scratch nights sound like an amazing way to support local artists - giving them a space to share their work and get feedback is literally the best thing ever 
. can't wait to see what they have planned for 2026, especially that residency program sounds so cool 
solo exhibitions, comedy shows, american musicals... what more could u ask for?! and scratch nights? genius! local artists can share their work-in-progress and get feedback its like the ultimate networking event 
and the residency program in summer 2026? yes plz give me all the emerging talents some love 
fringearts is def pushing the boundaries of performing arts and i am HERE. FOR. IT!!! 
over 350 shows and events sold 35k+ tickets! 
that's insane! 
i'm all for it, more artsy stuff in philly is always a good thing 
. scratch nights? genius idea 
local artists sharing work-in-progress, feedback, community vibes 
. residency program too? game changer 
3 emerging talents getting funding, mentorship, and space to shine 
The Scratch Nights series sounds so cool, it's like a workshop for creatives to get feedback and grow together. And the residency program for emerging artists in summer 2026? That's just the icing on the cake! 
They're really trying to create this vibrant artistic ecosystem in Philly and I am HERE. FOR. IT. 
i love that the "Scratch Nights" series is a thing too - its so cool that local artists can share their work-in-progress and get feedback from others 
cant wait to see what emerging talents fringearts discovers in summer 2026 
gotta love seeing more events throughout the year, less waiting for the festival season to roll around again 
also really excited about the residency program in 2026, can't wait to see what these emerging talents come up with 
and yeah i agree, pushing boundaries in the performing arts is where its at right now 