Access Folk

If you didn’t catch Professor Fay Hield’s contributions to last week’s episode of Composer of the Week you can catch up on BBC Sounds! The programme celebrated pieces whose authorship has been lost, deliberately obscured, or never recorded in the first place. Donald Macleod leads us down some delightful musical avenues and reveals some of the intriguing stories that lurk behind the moniker: Anonymous.

Basic knowledge about safeguarding and care for the health of your participants is important , regardless if you are working specifically with young people or adults at risk. There are many examples of signpost lists for organisations supporting people in need and it is useful for any organiser engaging with a variety of people from different circumstances. The charity Hourglass, who works to end abuse of elderly people, maintains a thorough signpost lists with basic information about charities and service providers across the UK.

You don’t need to be a professional to get involved in playing, singing, and organising folk music. But sometimes having the support of experienced others can help when you have a challenge. And you don’t have to be a pro to sharpen your skills! In this series of posts we’re highlighting some networks and development opportunities for organisers, facilitators, and aficionados alike.

North Atlantic Song Connections is an international event which brings together folk singers, educators and academics to sing and learn from oneanother through workshops, talks aand singing circles. NASC has been working with Access Folk over the last few years and their annual event now takes place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.

The Archivist, a film about David “Doc” Rowe is to be shown at - there are still tickets available for the screening on Sunday 14th June at 🎥 Rowe has devoted his life to documenting customs, songs and celebrations that few others thought worthy of attention, building an extraordinary archive along the way. As personal challenges mount and the collection’s future grows uncertain, the urgency of his mission sharpens. With remarkable access, we get close to Rowe as he pushes forward, idiosyncratic and unflappable, navigating the fragile line between preserving memory and letting go. The Archivist is a story about one person’s determination to celebrate the living traditions that connect us to where we come from and who we are, whatever the cost.

The Folk Organisers Network was started more recently by Access Folk and connects largely voluntary organisers of folk events in England (and some further a field), it is free to join and still a new group so you will have much opportunity to influence how the network develops.

Use the QR code to join (or see comments)

Need to be a bit more formalised?! If you’d like to apply for grants, do charitable work, or employ artists, you need to think about whether your organisational structure is fit for purpose. This resource provides information on the different form of organisations you could form and what you may or may not need to take into account as an event organiser.

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Looking for activities and games for teaching?
A key feature of EFDSS’ education department for many years, the resource bank is a great starting point for anyone looking for tried and tested folk materials. Resources are largely aimed at schools and youth activites, but it includes resources that will be of use in many more settings. Including, resources addressing racialised and marginalised groups, specific themes, seasons, dance and much more.

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Is there someone in your folk club or singaround who keeps detailed records of songs sung? Do you share photos of your events on a webpage or social media? Do you have recordings of past performances that you’d like to preserve? Finding a stable way of storing, preserving, and sharing precious artefacts of your activities is tricky. These resources highlight some of the things to think about if you want to create a digital archive.

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Don’t know where to start attracting people - and getting them to come back? This is a great guide for choirs and song groups. They run through the basics of recruiting and retainging participants including sections on how to descibe your activity, how to make sure people know about what you are doing and how to ensure people feel seen and welcomed when they attend.

Want to be more accessible but don’t know where to start? This includes quick fixes and advice on what to do if the venue you use is less accessible than you’d wish. A simple go-to guide with advice and suggestions that will work well for many organisers in the folk scene. Although a few years old now it is still a relevant and useful resource. Find the link on our website under ‘Top 20 Resources’ 🔗