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Folk Arts Society
Suite #206
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
Office Manager: Nefren Feizo-Gas
Events Coordinator: John Clarke
Webmaster: Rick West
Volunteers Coordinator: Cathy Best
John Drover, President
Laura Churchill, Vice-President
Shirley Alexander, Treasurer
Christina Steele-Nash, Secretary
Greg Smith, Director
Pat Sullivan, Director
Julia Bowdring, Director
Maile Graham-Laidlaw, Director
Jordan Kent, Director
Brad Power, Director
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".
The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society (NLFAS) is a charitable organization located in St. John’s, NL whose 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 favourite Christmas 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.
Keep in touch.
In 2002, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society began to bestow Lifetime Achievement Awards to those who have made outstanding contributions to folk arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Click on the list below to read the citations associated with the presentation of these awards.
- Anita Best (2015)
- Mrs. Belle Fennelly (2014)
- Ray Walsh (2013)
- Gerald Mitchell (2012)
- Fergus O'Byrne (2011)
- Dr. Peter Narvaez (2010)
- 2009 - no award presented
- Don Randell and Ted Blanchard (2008)
- Wilf Doyle (2007)
- Ron Hynes (2006)
- Gerald Campbell (2005)
- Becky Bennett (2004)
- Frank Maher (2003)
- Ruth Matthews (2002)
- Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Community Accessibility Award (2013-14)
- The Scope Best of St. John's Awards, Best Music Festival (2011)
and Best Volunteer Opportunity (2010) - 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
