PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After going digital last year, Philadelphia's Fringe Arts Festival is gearing up to welcome artists and art lovers back in person.
The festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. It's known for up-close, unique views that bring the audience into the performer's world, something previously upended by the pandemic.
"Last year, we saw a giant pivot from one of the world's biggest performing arts festivals to one of the worlds biggest digital arts festivals," said Fringe Arts Producing Director Nick Stuccio.
He said they are excited to return to the stage, but COVID-19 is still a big concern for them.
That is why they are following the Philadelphia Health Department's lead, but going a further step by requiring all attendees, staff and performers be vaccinated and that attendees mask up.
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"We're thinking really long and hard about all the safety protocols we need to put in place," Stuccio said.
The festival will feature performances from more than 200 independent artists.
"Artists were affected so deeply by the pandemic and the financial disaster," Stuccio added. "We did away with all the fees that we used to have."
The festival runs from September 9 to October 3. Click here for more information.