Buffer Fringe Festival was developed by the Home of Cooperation team in 2014 with the idea of creating a platform to question sensitive issues and express ideas in new and creative ways. This art platform aims to enable individuals to interact with each other regardless of the dominant historical narratives, ideologies or identities that can often be separatist and politicized in Cyprus.
A performing arts festival has been one of the best tools to initiate discussions about the personal and collective traumas people of Cyprus have experienced in the past and to contribute to increased understanding, respect and trust. Buffer Fringe Festival, which is born out of a local situation that is unique, has taken its place among the respected international festivals.
International recognition
Buffer Fringe was awarded the “Extraordinary Festival” label of the European Festivals Group in 2017-2018 and also became one of its candidates for the EFFE (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe) award. In addition, it was supported by the Stelios Award of the Stelios Foundation. The Festival has been awarded the Extraordinary Festival label again for 2019-2020 and is supported by many foreign missions in Cyprus: Swedish Embassy, Irish Embassy, Polish Embassy, Dutch Embassy and other Embassies, as well as institutions such as the Goethe Institute and ASEF Cultural Foundation.
From global to local
We want to increase and strengthen the impact of our festival in Cyprus as much as we are proud of our international participation and recognition. For this reason, Buffer Fringe will focus on increasing collaboration among artists on both sides of the division and creating opportunities for the development of new works, as well as efforts to increase the participation of local artists in the coming years.