Now in its ninth year, the Philly Fringe will coincide with the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival running from September 2 – 17. The ever-expanding Philly Fringe, which supports and celebrates a diverse body of independent, self-produced artists, includes 161 shows this year, up from 140 in 2004. It also provides opportunities for any artist, independent of a selection process, to self-produce their work. Combined with the Live Arts Festival, the two festivals create a unique energy for making and seeing art in the city.