What is the Open Doors Program?

While the Fringe movement was initially created to provide space for those on the margins, it has often fallen short in representing minority voices. We acknowledge a lack of diversity within the industry and even our festival. Recognizing these inequities is essential for fostering an environment that reflects the diverse perspectives of our community. By addressing these gaps, we can create opportunities for underrepresented voices ensuring that more stories are heard and celebrated.

From 2019-2025, the Ottawa Fringe offered the Open Doors Program to create inclusivity and provide opportunities for producers who self-identify with any of the organization’s Priority Groups:

  • Artists of Colour
  • Disabled Artists
  • Indigenous Artists
  • Trans and QTBIPOC Artists

Two-Phase Lottery

Starting with our 2026 Fringe Festival, we are moving away from the Open Doors Program to offer instead a two-phase lottery.

Ottawa Fringe commits to reserving at least 25% of available Fringe slots in the lottery for participants who are Indigenous, Black or People of Colour. The two-phase lottery draw is a measure we’ve implemented to deliberately strengthen equity at the Festival.

When we hold the 2026 Lottery, each category’s draw will have two phases:

  • PHASE ONE: Applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour will be entered into the draw exclusively for the first 25% of all available slots in the category.
  • PHASE TWO: Once at least 25% of total slots are filled by BIPOC applicants, or if no more BIPOC applicants remain to draw from (whichever occurs first), the remaining slots will be drawn from all applicants in the category.

The Producer is considered the individual applying who must identify as BIPOC for the application to be included in the first drawing phase. We ask that applicants who select this also commit to at least half or more of their creative and performance team identifying as BIPOC as well.

To apply to the 2026 Ottawa Fringe lottery, check out this page.

Questions? Contact:

Alain Richer, Executive & Artistic Director
director@ottawafringe.com