The membership of the Nanaimo Fringe Festival has been been restored with the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.
A release by the CAFF in September noted the NFF had its association suspended following concerns raised in July about the well-being and safety of festival participants and the artistic community.
“CAFF is committed to welcoming diverse and marginalized communities into our spaces, and strives to actively oppose marginalization, repression and oppression within our member festivals,” noted the release. “The [CAFF] welcomes and supports our trans, two-spirited and non-binary community … There is no tolerance for transphobic views.”
A joint release by CAFF and NFF released in February announced the restoration of membership.
“Nanaimo Fringe is working together in restorative collaboration with CAFF and the performing arts community in Nanaimo, particularly the trans and 2SLGBTQ-plus community,” noted the release. “Positive steps have been taken by Nanaimo Fringe with continued mentorship, guidance and support from the CAFF.”
The release added that the CAFF is committed to supporting NFF in the restorative process to ensure Nanaimo Fringe operates within the CAFF guiding principles.
The 14th annual Nanaimo Fringe Festival, managed by the Pacific Coast Stage Company, will proceed from Aug. 8-18.
READ MORE: Nanaimo Fringe Festival’s membership with national association suspended