We are the folk of Newfoundland and Labrador. We have been for a long time. We are the folk who sing, dance, tell stories, create with our hands and play countless instruments. We are the folk and this is our art. More importantly it is what defines and distinguishes us from other provinces and other countries. We are the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Council, ....or at least we were.
In the Spring of 2008 we were given a gift. A chance to evaluate how The Folk Arts Council and board of Newfoundland and Labrador were doing through the eyes of Bristol Communications Group. Over a 24-hour brainstorming session and weeks leading up to the Festival we as an organization challenged ourselves to take criticism, shake off the dust and revitalize our organization with their help. No bouzouki was left unturned and the result was a better understanding of what it takes to meet our mandate and a better understanding of what folk want and need from us. We will continue to grow with your help and input.
We started with a name change to let people know that we are an inclusive organization with open doors. The Folk Arts Society. Our new office location is 223 Duckworth Street, in the old Haymarket Square. You can find us every Wednesday at Folk Night in The Ship Pub on Solomon's Lane, between Duckworth and Water Streets. And we are present every summer on the first weekend of August in Bannerman Park, for the Folk Festival. During the year we have workshops and special events such as the Wassail, which happens in a local church every December.
As we move towards 2012 you will see many more changes and we encourage you to become part of our progress. Our motto is Living Our Traditions. What this means is that while we continue to preserve the cultural past we are well aware that traditions are being created at this very moment. Folk art does not mean old art. It means the expression of a unique people in a unique time. There is no greater time than now to live our culture.
We are a registered charity. If you want to support our work you may choose to volunteer your time or make a donation. Contact our office to see how you can help. We issue tax receipts for charitable donations and we are more than happy to include you in our volunteer database if you wish to volunteer at Folk Night, the Wassail, or the Folk Festival. Memberships are available online or by contacting the office.
Thank you for your continued support and please don't be a stranger. We are friendly folk.
- Anita Best, President
Mandate
The mandate of the Folk Arts Society is to "produce arts festivals for the purpose of education and advancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of Newfoundland and Labrador folk arts and to educate artists through participation in such festivals and related workshops; and to educate the public in folk arts through performances in public places and seminars".
Office
Folk Arts Society
204-223 Duckworth Street
St. John's, NL A1C 6N1
Phone: (709) 576-8508 toll-free 1-866-576-8508
Fax: (709) 757-8500
Email: office@nlfolk.com
2011-2012 Board of Directors and Staff
On November 1, 2011, the Society held its annual general meeting, at which a new slate of directors was elected. The current members of the Board of Directors are:
President: Anita Best
Vice President: Anne Fagan
Treasurer: George Miminis
Secretary: Carol Sullivan
Jean Knowles
Allan Byrne
Shirley Montague
Kate Power
Jeremy Roop
Gerry Strong
Aldonna O'Keefe
Webmaster: Rick West
Events Coordinator: John Clarke
Volunteers Coordinator: Cathy Best
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Documents:
Awards/Recognition:
- Industry Builder Award, MusicNL (2009)
- Free Think, Bristol Communications (2008)
- Manning Award, Historic Sites Association (2007)
- City of St. John's Event of the Year Award (2006, 2011)
- Worlds's Largest Accordion Ensemble (Guinness Book of World
Records, 2005) - The Royal Canadian Mint issues a Sterling silver 50c coin
depicting the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival (2001) - Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Ambassador Award
(2002) - Attractions Canada Cultural Event (1999)
- City of St. John's Admiral's Award for Excellence (1996)
- Downhomer Newfoundland and Labrador Port of Call Award
(web site)
Other Folk Arts Councils in Newfoundland and Labrador:
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