Money problems forcing N.L. Folks Arts Society, annual festival to likely shutter
CBC
After nearly 50 years of highlighting the arts, along with traditional and folk music, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival could be taking its final bow — along with the folk arts society that runs it.
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society board president Julie Vogt told CBC News financial constraints continue to hamper the effort this summer, and it's looking likely that year's festival will be the final one, and the society itself will also shutter.
"I encourage everyone to allow us to go out with grace, get your tickets for this last folk festival. Remember all the wonderful feels that you've ever had and come celebrate with us because that's what it's going to be — a celebration," she told CBC News on Monday.
The tipping point was missing out on a multi-year ArtsNL grant that the society had hoped to land to sustain its operation.
In an email to members on Friday, Vogt wrote the new board found it highly unlikely it could raise an additional $75,000 to fill the gap left behind from the ArtsNL money. The board also assessed an "extremely low" probability that ticket sales for this year's festival would meet even a "modest budget."
But this summer's event will go ahead as planned, running from July 11 to July 13 in Bannerman Park in downtown St. John's.
Vogt said the society had a $140,000 fundraising goal, and landed just $8,000 short.
"We were that close," she said.
The festival itself costs about $192,000 to pull off. That's before a ticket is sold or performers are paid.
Vogt said she's disappointed the festival couldn't reach its 50th year, and big plans were in the making.
"It's gut-wrenching, but we are going to give you the best folk festival we can with the small number of people that we have to do it," she said.
Vogt also offered reassurance that performers scheduled to perform will be paid and the festival will be the same festival people are familiar with.
As for the future, Vogt said there would need to be a miracle to keep the society and festival going, such as an angel investor and support from the public.
While small donations are welcomed, she encouraged people to buy tickets for this year's event, too.
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