Folk Arts Society

About the Folk Arts Society

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. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it?

As we move towards 2009 you will see many more changes and we encourage you to become part of our progress. Our new positioning is Living Our Traditions. What this means is that while we continue to preserve the cultural past we are well aware that artisans are creating traditions 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.

Thank you for your continued support and please don't be a stranger. We are friendly folk.

- Anita Best, President

Organization and Mandate

The Folk Arts Society (FAS), formerly known as the St. John's Folk Arts Council and recently as the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Council, is a not-for-profit organization that has been active in the music community of Newfoundland and Labrador since 1966. The FAS hosts and organizes an annual folk festival and a folk night every Wednesday in St. John's. Both functions showcase Newfoundland talent and contribute to the development of promising artists. The FAS also conducts several workshops annually to highlight and explore the cultural traditions of the Province. The activities of the FAS are directed by a Board of eight to thirteen volunteers and a paid coordinator.

The mandate of the FAS is to "promote the Folk Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada; foster creative expression of those arts; and to further the cause of good intergroup relationships".

Office

Folk Arts Society
155 Water St., Box 6283
St. John's, NL A1C 6J9

Phone: (709) 576-8508
toll-free 1-866-576-8508
office@nlfolk.com

Executive Director: vacant
Artistic Director: Anita Best
Webmaster: Rick West
Folk Night: Rick Barron

2008-2009 Board of Directors

President: Anita Best
Vice President: Maureen Chafe
Treasurer: Steve Delaney
Secretary: Angela Record

Directors: Gerry Strong (Carbonear); Cal McNiven (Bay St. George); Jean Knowles, Mike Hanrahan (St. John's), Harry Ingram (St. John's), Ford Elms (St. John's) and Roger Lockyer (St. John's)

Awards/Recognition:

Free Think, Bristol Communications (2008)
Manning Award, Historic Sites Association (2007)
City of St. John's Tourism Event of the Year Award (2006)
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:

Bay St. George Folk Arts Council