FringeArts to Add New Season, Artist Residency

Following a record-breaking festival attendance this year, FringeArts announced it is returning to seasonal programming from January to May and launching a new residency for emerging Philadelphia-based artists.

The 2026 winter-spring season will diversify opportunities for Philadelphia artists and audiences by presenting new works beyond the September festival and supporting ongoing local talent development.

Ticket sales for the new season open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, for members, and at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, for the general public through the FringeArts website. The upcoming lineup includes the comedy piece "We Come to Collect: A Flirtation, With Capitalism" (Jan. 22–24), the solo show "Baby Everything" (Feb. 26–28), the visual art exhibition "Assimilating and Moving State 1" (March 14–15), and the musical Girl Dolls: An American Musical (May 8–17).

Scratch nights at FringeArts' Old City headquarters will occur on Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 23, and April 20, providing artists with feedback and a chance to share progress with peers and audiences.

Officials also announced a residency, created with the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation, to fund and mentor three Philadelphia artists during the summer of 2026, granting access to FringeArts space. An open call for Philly-based artists runs Dec. 15 through Jan. 15, 2026.

"At FringeArts, we fill a unique niche where new work can take center stage," said Nell Bang-Jensen, director and CEO of the cultural institution, in a statement shared with PhillyVoice. "We want to be a home where the next generation of shows is made. Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer arts organizations around the country who are able to prioritize risk. We're proud to be one of the only venues in Philly that centers contemporary, experimental, fringe performance."