A Letter from Sara Graham

Welcome to the 2023 Halifax Fringe Festival! 

 

The Halifax Fringe Festival takes place in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people. While this land acknowledgement is entirely symbolic in its nature, I ask you to reflect on the true action and movements happening on this land around us. Please take a moment to reflect on the space you occupy and how we work towards reparations. 

 

Welcome to the 2023 Halifax Fringe Festival! What a whirlwind of a year it has been since we last gathered together in this magical festival. It is with both great joy and nervous anticipation I welcome you to my first Halifax Fringe as Executive Director. It feels like the moment you tell someone you have a crush on them and you are waiting to see if they like you back (Fingers crossed you have a crush on me too!)

 

I hope you are able to experience the magic of the Fringe Festival as I have been able to all year. It feels incredibly special to be a part of this festival and hand it off to who it belongs to, it’s audience and artists. Take in as many shows as you can, find joy in connecting with those around you, allow yourself to be immersed in the beauty of the art those around you are making.

 

The Halifax Fringe Festival’s choice to remain with masked events this year shows care and community for all who want to access our shared spaces. Thank you for your continued care of our communities by enthusiastically embracing this policy. 

 

While you take in the joy, care, and intent that each piece of art on stage is made with, I encourage you to connect with those around you. Find joy in each other’s presence. There is something really special about sharing art in a room of people. Embrace that feeling. I challenge you to show kindness to those around you over the next twelve days, we could all always use a little more kindness. 

 

With overwhelming love and appreciation, 

 

Sara Graham

 

Executive Director