MISSION
Folk Music Canada is a member-driven organization that supports and promotes the Canadian folk music community, and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance, diversity and cultural value of all types of folk music in Canada. Founded in 2000, Folk Music Canada operated for nearly a decade as ‘Folk Alliance Canada’, and was closely affiliated with Folk Alliance International. In 2009, after establishing some short-term strategic priorities, the organization chose a new name, hired its first employee and began to develop its own membership, while keeping close ties with FAI. Having established a growing membership base, cemented an organizational structure and hired an Executive Director, in late 2011 Folk Music Canada established a strategic plan which helps guide its activities and directions. FMC is committed to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access in the folk music sector, the arts sector overall, and throughout all of society.
FMC is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Board Policy
Workplace Policy: Harassment and Violence Policy
FMC has adopted the Canadian Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts
FMC Bylaws
OUR OBJECTIVES
Develop & enhance the brand of Canadian folk music;
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Grow membership base of Folk Music Canada;
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Advocate for Canadian folk music where needed;
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Network to increase connections;
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Keep Canadian folk music vibrant and thriving.
OUR STRATEGY
Develop an Online Resource Centre
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Partner at Signature Events
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Market Development
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Expand Member Benefits
SERVICES & BENEFITS
INFORMATION
We keep members connected with the latest happenings, deadlines and news through our monthly e-newsletter, Facebook page and Twitter feed. And we’ll give you the low-down on ‘Cheap Eats’ at folk conferences.
RESOURCES
Are you a musician looking for a list of venues to help plan a tour, trying to decipher how to submit to summer festivals? Are you a presenter looking for block booking opportunities? Folk Music Canada offers its members listings and databases to help you connect with the Canadian folk community – all in formats that are easy to import for mail merge and email.
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ADVICE
From advice on border crossing to granting strategies and everything in between, Folk Music Canada is available by phone and email to answer your questions.
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NETWORKING
We bring the face of folk music key contact events, working to expand the network of presenters, key industry influencers, media, etc who work with folk music, targeting particular events such as BreakOut West, Canadian Music Week, East Coast Music Week, Canadian Folk Music Awards, Juno Awards, NXNE, Americana Music Conference, Trad Music Conference, WOMEX, APAP, NERFA, Folk Alliance, Folk Music Ontario and more.
FUNDING TOOLS
We’re at the ready to help you tap into the funding you need to bring folk music to audiences – as a performer, presenter or emerging arts worker. And we keep a keen eye on program changes so that you have the latest info on funding strategies.
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PROMOTION
Whether we are promoting folk music at a reception or in an exhibit hall, we work continuously on marketing and promoting the excellence our community offers, both in the presenting and performing communities.
SHOWCASES
We help to create sponsored and private showcase opportunities for artists at Folk Music Ontario and Folk Alliance. In 2012, we will expand to offer even more opportunities at Folk Music Ontario, Folk Alliance, NERFA, AmericanaFest and other key events. Learn more about our showcase selection guidelines and process here.
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ADVOCACY
Folk music is important to our national fabric and is a key part of our culture – we work to ensure that folk music is recognized as much as possible within media, industry and government channels.
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT
Through presenting programs, we work to boost demand for Canadian folk music both domestically and internationally, including touring, the internet, television and radio.
DISCOUNTS
We offer an ensemble of member discounts to help our members save money as they move forward in their folk career and development.
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Insurance: we’ve got great deals on travel, instrument, D&O, liability and more!
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Conference attendance: we’ve got discounts to key gatherings such as Canadian Music Week and more.
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Car rental: our members get 5% off rentals with Enterprise
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Music associations: benefit from a 20% discount with your provincial music association. Already a member of your music association? Get 20% off your Folk Music Canada membership.
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Tools of the trade: get a great deal on instrument purchase, repair and gear.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Valerie Denn
VICE PRESIDENT
Julie Fowler
TREASURER
Julie Fowler
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SECRETARY
Julie Fowler
DIRECTORS
Shoshona Kish
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Executive Director
Karrnnel Sawitsky