As Christmas approaches and we reflect on the year, it’s fair to say that things have continued to be difficult for most of us in 2021. And the pandemic could well continue to bring new challenges to the whole folk community for a while longer.
But despite the restrictions placed on us as we started the year in another lockdown, and since the return to some kind of normality this Summer, we have continued to innovate and adapt, delivering a range of hybrid, online and in-person activities. Here are just a few of them...
A host of online videos throughout winter and spring, such as our folk discussion podcast ‘Folk Folk’
Free Education Resources for both grassroots and professional folk educators in lockdown
Solo Ceilidh Cardio Workout – an online video for dancers, who were particularly hard hit by restrictions throughout the winter lockdown
Our online Library Lecture series in the spring (and the 2022 Lectures are on sale now)
A triumphant return to in-person gigs at Cecil Sharp House in May with a show from Peggy Seeger simultaneously live-streamed around the world
Support for the next generation of folk artists with the announcement of our Creative Bursary winners in August, and showcases of our work at national festivals in summer 2021
Two online Folk Education Development Days in the autumn, free to anyone working in folk education, including an event dedicated to Getting Back to Dancing in Person in the wake of Covid
A new Mini Grants programme, launched this autumn, to support individuals and organisations starting up or returning to social folk dance events
The return of our annual Library Conference, both in person and online, this November
None of us know what the coming months and years will look like. But rest assured we will remain the national development agency for preserving, protecting, disseminating and promoting the folk arts at the heart of England’s rich and diverse cultural landscape; through and beyond these turbulent times.
We can only keep doing activities such as these with the support of our generous donors.
If you already support us, THANK YOU!
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