Description

In 1984, the Fringe Club took over the Dairy Farm warehouse building in a poor and inhabitable condition. Over the years, stage by stage, the building has been restored with care and given entirely new functions. Now the Fringe Club is recognised as a lively and dynamic contemporary arts space, not just in Hongkong but in the region as well. It has created an open and informal environment for local and overseas artists to create new works and to hone their skills. It is often cited as a successful example of how to make positive re-use of a derelict building and, by doing it, revive a rundown neighbourhood. The building now houses two theatres, two gallery spaces, a photo gallery, two cafe-bars, a rehearsal room, a potery studio and showroom, a roof garden and “ M at the Fringe ” restaurant. Each year, the Fringe Club puts on a urban culture festival called City Festival. Outside of that, it presents around 60 exhibitions and over 200 performances throughout the year.

Former use : Ice storage warehouse and dairy shop
Surface of the site : 3,000 square feet; three storey building
Location : Central, Hong Kong
Foundation year : Incorporated in 1982 the Fringe Club is a non-profit, registered charitable organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of performing and visual Arts in Hong Kong
Type of occupation : Rented from Government
Owner of the building : Hong Kong Government

Infrastructures

Two theatre
Two gallery spaces
A photo gallery
Two cafe-bars
A rehearsal room
A potery studio and showroom
A roof garden
“ M at the Fringe ” restaurant

Social and artistic disciplines

Contemporary theatre : Creation / Production / Diffusion / Workshop / Spaces rental / Debates / Lecture / Festivals

Music : Residencies / Creation / Production / Diffusion / Training Workshop / Spaces rental / Lecture / Conferences / Festivals

Contemporary dance : Production / Diffusion / Workshop / Spaces rental / Lecture / Conferences / Festivals

Heritage - Architecture : Residencies / Creation / Production / Diffusion / Training Workshop / Spaces rental / Debates / Lecture / Conferences / Festivals

Visual art : Residencies / Creation / Production /Diffusion / Training Workshop / Spaces rental / Debates / Lecture / Conferences / Festivals

Multimedia : Residencies / Creation / Production / Diffusion / Training Workshop / Spaces rental / Debates / Lecture / Conferences / Festivals

Literature - Poetry : Residencies / Creation / Production / Diffusion / Training Workshop / Spaces rental / Debates / Lecture / Conferences / Festivals

Financial support

The Fringe Club is mainly self supporting through
our food and beverage outlets, corporate sponsorship, project and fundraising activities and general donations.