The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society

Our mandate is the promotion and preservation of the traditional folk arts of the province. Active since 1966, the organization presents educational and cultural events that provide artists with the opportunity to showcase their work and that engage our youth and the general public in the transmission of our intangible cultural heritage.

Our two longest running events, Folk Night at the Ship Pub and the Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival are rites of passage for up and coming folk and traditional musicians, and beloved by seasoned performers. Our support for young artists is amplified at our annual Young Folk at the Hall concert, and on the Neil Murray stage for young performers at the Festival. Our events give audiences the opportunity to engage in celebration of our traditional folk arts.

Our annual Holiday Wassail is a gathering where families can sing their favorite carols along with some of our best musicians in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our Folk Festival not only showcases great performers, but gives our audiences a chance to take part by playing along in open jam sessions, learn traditional dances, arts and crafts.

Please join us as we continue to celebrate the unique heritage and culture of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Come out to our many events, sign up for our weekly newsletter, become a volunteer, a member or a financial supporter of our organization.

Get Involved

President
Anna Brophy
Vice-President
Deborah Coombs
Secretary
David Constantine
Treasurer
Katie Predham
Directors
Alison White
Chad Chafe
Jason Simms
Joe O'Connor
Mandy Palubicki

The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society has been honored to receive a number of awards, and we very much appreciate the support and recognition.

  • MusicNL Event of the Year (2022)
  • MusicNL Event of the Year (2019)
  • MusicNL Event of the Year (2018)
  • Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Inclusion Award (2018)
  • Independent Living Award for Social Inclusion (2016)
  • Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Community Accessibility Award (2013 - 2014)
  • The Scope Best of St. John’s Awards Best Music Festival (2011)
  • The Scope Best of St. John’s Awards Best Volunteer Opportunity (2010)
  • MusicNL Industry Builder Award (2009)
  • Bristol Communications Free Think (2008)
  • Historic Sites Association Manning Award (2007)
  • City of St. John’s Event of the Year Award (2006, 2011)
  • World’s Largest Accordion Ensemble (Guinness Book of World Records, 2005)
  • Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Ambassador Award (2002)
  • The Royal Canadian Mint issues a Sterling silver 50c coin depicting the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival (2001)
  • Attractions Canada Cultural Event (1999)
  • City of St. John’s Admiral’s Award for Excellence (1996)
  • Downhomer Newfoundland and Labrador Port of Call Award

Our By-Laws

The by-laws of the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Folk Arts Society bestows Lifetime Achievement Awards to those who have made outstanding contributions to folk arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Meet our past recipients.