A Message from Dawn Bentley

Dear Fringe Friends,

I’m writing to share that I am stepping down from my role as the Executive Director of Minnesota Fringe to pursue a new endeavor. My last day in the office will be September 15, but I will be assisting staff and board with the transition through the end of our fiscal year.

Serving this organization has been a highlight of my career in the arts. Over the past decade, our achievements have included:

• Building an Artist Committee to oversee the health and vitality of Minnesota Fringe’s relationship with the community we serve
• Establishing specialty lotteries to successfully increase festival participation from historically marginalized communities
• Ensuring production fees remain low and establishing Festival Artist Grants to provide economically feasible producing opportunities for participating artists
• Creating Golden Lanyard Awards to recognize artist accomplishments during the festival and expanded accolades to include audience, staff, and community contributions
• Constructing the Fringe with Benefits membership program to deepen connections with the Fringe Festival’s most ardent supporters
• Strengthening community partnerships in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, with Independent Producers and local venues, as well as facilitating regular gatherings and mentorship of other festival leaders and executive / managing directors
• Deepened ties with wider Fringe Festival community through panel presentations at three World Fringe Congress gatherings, leading the US Association of Fringe Festivals membership committee, and hosting leaders from Green Bay, Kansas, Tucson, Denver, and Finland Fringe Festivals during our event
• Collaborating with the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts to determine the festival’s annual economic impact of $1.9 million
• Contributing to the body of knowledge on festival management by partnering with multiple academic institutions, researchers in arts leadership, and data scientists
• Developing new funder rapport to grow grant income by 50% and individual donations by over 100%
• Improving process efficiencies which allow for more staff time dedicated to direct artist support
• Forming Theater Emergency Relief Fund to provide rapid response grants for theater and dance technical and design professionals adversely impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, awarding over 150 grants totaling more than $180,000  to local technicians, designers, and stage managers
• Expanding programs to provide new platforms for artists and increased accessibility for audiences through Beyond the Box, Drafts & Drafts, Fringe Presents, Fiscal Sponsorship, Insurance Referral Services, and Accessibility Equipment Rentals.  

It has been my privilege to be surrounded by artists with seemingly unlimited supply of inspiration and who have inspired me to think creatively about leadership in the arts. Together, with a devoted staff, we have contoured Minnesota Fringe to meet the moment; through financial turbulence, a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and an ever-shifting operational landscape. I am grateful for the trust and partnership of the theater community throughout my tenure and will continue to support this organization as a fan and a friend moving forward.

The Board of Directors and staff are fully prepared for this transition, and I am working closely with them to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities so operations will continue without interruption. Future updates will be shared by our Board President in the coming weeks. For immediate questions, feel free to reach out at board@fringefestival.org.

Thank you for your unwavering support of and love for Minnesota Fringe. I look forward to watching the organization continue to evolve and thrive in its next chapter. 

Fondly,

Dawn Bentley

In this time of transition, your support as a donor at any amount is critical to ensuring future festivals have the resources needed to keep producer fees and tickets prices affordable and accessible for all.

Please join me in making a contribution today.  --dB

The Minnesota Fringe Board of Directors is forming a Search Committee to conduct a national search for a new leader and will have more details to share soon. Members are also planning a public farewell party for later this fall. If you have interest in serving on the committee or contributing to the party planning, please feel free to contact the board via email.