Expressions of interest are open for judges as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025.
Our judging panels have been at capacity for quite a while, but this year we are doing a rare open call for judges, to expand our networks and ensure the diversity of our panels match the diversity of our program. In order to achieve this, we are particularly interested in hearing from (and will prioritise applications for) potential judges who have diverse lived experiences, including folk who identify as First Nations, culturally or linguistically diverse, d/Deaf, Disabled, and transgender or gender diverse. But we are absolutely open to applications from anyone, particularly peers with the expertise to join the following panels: Kids, Music, Visual Arts & Film, and Words & Ideas.
These are volunteer positions, for arts industry peers who love attending events and seeing shows, and have considered, well explained thoughts and opinions to give on what they attend.
The things that all our judges have in common (and that we expect you to bring) are:
- Available in Melbourne from 30th Sept-19th Oct
- They are prolific attendees of independent art.
- They have expertise in their artform, and/or standing in the sector. They might be a mid-career or established artist or designer who has honed their craft and knows how to engage critically with other artist’s work. Or they may be an experienced producer or programmer, stage manager or lighting tech, reviewer or publicist – someone who has earned standing in the arts through years of facilitatative practice that supports the platorming and delivery of creative work.
- They know how to articulate their thoughts. This isn’t about being able to wax lyrical about every show you see (although we do love reading a long review!) – it’s about being able to go beyond saying something was the best show you’ve seen, into knowing how to use your words to communicate why you thought it was excellent.
- They love Melbourne Fringe!
A Fringe judge must attend a minimum of 6 events over the duration of the Festival (30th September-19th October) (but we often find our judges are keen to see more!) You will be asked to attend events at many different venues within Metro Melbourne, and sometimes for artists you’ve never heard of, which is all part of the fun. Of course, in exchange for your time and energy, you will be issued a Festival pass to attend these events.
If that sounds like you, please get your EOI in via THIS FORM before the 18th July 2025
Please note that this is an expression of interest only, our Independent Arts team will be in touch with you from July onwards if we are interested in recruiting you into the panel. These decisions are largely based around balanced representation and overall numbers, and should not be taken as a value judgement on your experience or relationship with Melbourne Fringe.
Feel free to get in touch with Olly Lawrence – Senior Program Manager (Independent Arts) at olly@melbournefringe.com.au with any questions
For more information click here
