Welcome to FolkArts England

FolkArts England (FAE) is a national development agency for Folk, Roots and Traditional Music. We are funded by Arts Council England and incorporate The Association of Festival Organisers (AFO).

Our main purpose is to help and encourage people to understand, work with and help develop the folk and acoustic music traditions.

FAE is a flexible organisation, constantly responding to current issues, debate and new legislation affecting projects and events.  It is a powerful lobbying force, representing an ever increasing audience.

The FAE Campaign Goes on... ...Funds Change

For the last four years FolkArts England (FAE) has been core funded by Arts Council England, known as a Regular Funded Organisation (RFO).  On 31 March 2009 FAE will cease to be funded in this way and will revert to project funding when appropriate.

FolkArts England will continue to be a lobbying voice for Folk music wherever possible and will maintain the Association of Festival Organisers as an industry group.  FAE will also organise the Folk Industry Conference, which in 2009 will take place from 19 - 22 November in Nottingham.  Staff are also currently working on a major application to a variety of funders to deliver Direct Roots as a Folk industry directory and online resource.

Read more...

The Largest Gathering of Folk Professionals Returns

The Folk Industry & AFO Conference is the UK's largest gathering of Folk Profesionals and returned in 2008 with a programme packed full of dynamic events and speakers.

see what some delegates had to say.

 Download the agenda and see what you missed
Download Speakers Handouts & Presentations

FAE aims to:

• support the development of those working in/for Folk Arts in England.
• promote Folk Arts to audiences, artists and the arts, education and tourism sectors.
• widen participation in Folk Arts in England for audiences, artists and organisers.
• gather and disseminate information to support its members and the growth of our sector.

FAE is represented at many local and national government levels and regularly consults with organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive, The Performing Right Society, Voluntary Arts Network, National Campaign for the Arts, The National Association of Local Government Arts Officers and many more.