The Baltic Nordic Fringe Network (BNFN) aims to simplify systems and provide touring opportunities for artists applying to one or more of the Fringe festivals in the Baltic Nordic region.

The festivals have one thing in common: they aim to elevate the local through the global, offering the audience unique experiences outside the traditional, and pushing boundaries to promote artistic innovation and bravery.

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WHY A NETWORK?

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Since the humble launch of the Stockholm Fringe Festival (STOFF) in 2010, participating artists have expressed the desire to combine their “Stoffholm” visit with additional tour dates in the Nordic region. Until now, a touring theatre network in the Nordic region had not existed.

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WHO IS BEHIND IT?

 

• In 2016, the Stockholm Fringe Festival (STOFF) team created the Nordic Fringe Network in collaboration with its younger sister festivals, the Gothenburg Fringe and the Bergen Fringe Festival.

• In 2018, Lahti Fringe Festival (Finland) joined our global community, followed by FINFRINGE (Åbo/Finland) in 2019. 

• Reykjavík Fringe Festival’s pilot edition took place in July 2018

• Zagare Fringe Festival (Lithuania)  joined the network in late 2018.

• In 2019, CPH STAGE (Copenhagen/Denmark) joined the network as a partner. The festival had been in existence for many years. 

• Tallinn Fringe Festival joined the network in 2020.

• Oslo Fringe Festival & Trondheim Fringe Festival & Tranås at the Fringe follow soon after!

• In 2023, the network rebranded from the Nordic to the Baltic Nordic Fringe Network (BNFN) to truly reflect all the network member festivals. 

• In 2024, Stockholm Fringe Festival & FinFringe hosted the 2024 World Fringe Congress!

• In Nov 2025, we launched our 10th annual Global Artist Call with a revamped logo! 

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NETWORK BENEFITS

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The benefits of synchronising all Baltic Nordic Fringe festival initiatives go hand in hand with our “many little streams create a river” approach to festival management.

Working together will not only create a more robust and bigger Fringe movement in the Nordic region but also offer an attractive touring opportunity to local and global artists.

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• Audiences will be treated to high-quality acts from around the globe.

• New work will reach a new and broader audience.

• Artists will be able to make their visit to the Nordic region more sustainable and economical.

• Overseas cultural institutes and embassy culture departments will be able to collaborate with their sister branches in other Nordic countries to tour/support artists from their respective regions.

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