Richmond Tavern audience in London at Jeremy Voltz' Spotlight Showcase.
At Folk Music Ontario we think of 'Folk' as being made by the people for the people; informed by cultural traditions, guided by a shared set of social priorities, and carving new and innovative pathways through its connection to the global roots of music, storytelling, and folklore.
At the 2022 Folk Music Ontario Conference, more than 10 languages were represented, and artists that ranged from Hip Hop, Chamber Music, Electronica, Singer/Songwriter, Rock, Bluegrass, Swing, and so much more, all sharing a common grounding in cultural creativity and connection.
From left to right:
Jaymie Karn (Programs Assistant),
Cassidy Houston (Vice President), Candace Shaw (Director),
Jo Proulx (Director),
Cécile Doo-Kingué (President),
Sherry Sinclaire (Member At-Large),
Umair Jaffar (Treasurer),
Rosalyn Dennett (Executive Director), Chris Greencorn (Director),
Tara Williamson (Secretary),
Joel Elliott (Operations Manager).
At Folk Music Ontario / Musique Folk de l’Ontario (FMO), our mission is to preserve and promote Canadian folk music, empower folk musicians at all career stages, and foster an inclusive and vibrant folk music community through advocacy, education, and collaboration. We are dedicated to serving as a comprehensive resource and catalyst for the growth, recognition, and sustainability of the folk music industry across Canada.
Our organization is driven by the belief that folk music serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and community connection. We work tirelessly to ensure the continued vitality of this art form, preserving its traditions while also fostering innovation, exploring technology, and embracing contemporary influences.
As a leading force in supporting and nurturing the diverse talents that comprise Canada's folk music landscape, we are dedicated to providing folk musicians with the necessary tools, resources, and platforms to develop their craft, reach wider audiences, and build sustainable careers. By offering our annual conference, mentorship programs, workshops, performance and networking opportunities, we aim to empower artists at every stage of their artistic journey, from aspiring newcomers to seasoned professionals.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of our organization. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates the diverse voices, cultures, and traditions within Canadian folk music. By actively promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity, we aim to ensure that all artists, from all backgrounds, genders, and abilities, have equal opportunities to participate, collaborate, and shine within the folk music community.
As an arts service organization, we recognize the importance of building strong partnerships with like-minded organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders. Through collaborative efforts, we seek to amplify our impact, and advocate for increased recognition and support for folk music. Together, we can nurture a thriving and resilient folk music industry that serves as a testament to our unique cultural diversity and shared collective identity.
