Beginning in 1980 with one staff and 300 volunteers, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival has grown and matured to become one of the leading folk festivals in the world.
The quality of the music and the depth of the performer lineup is the single greatest ingredient in our success. Terry Wickham, producer, selects artists within a broad musical mandate. We have consistently increased our artistic budget in order to bring the best performers anywhere to Edmonton. Our vision is to continue to improve as a world-calibre folk music festival. At the same time, we work very hard to raise money through fund raising activities and through soliciting corporate sponsorships to keep ticket prices accessible for ordinary families.
1. Volunteer Driven - - Many organizations use the labors of volunteers. The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is driven by volunteers. Initially a not-for-profit company, the Festival became a not-for-profit democratic "society" in 1985, with an elected nine-person board that sets operating policy and hires the Producer. Members of the Society are all active volunteers who have demonstrated their involvement in and commitment to the Festival. Board members, elected from the membership, therefore, have in-depth knowledge of Festival operations and strong commitment to ensuring its success. Ideas and suggestions brought to the Board table have, invariably, been "field tested" by other volunteers. The Board has a number of working committees that involve Society members year-round to develop and deliver a variety of plans to improve the Festival. Volunteers also drive delivery of the Festival. Over 2000 volunteers on 46 crews work with great autonomy to deliver the majority of services provided to patrons of the Festival. Many crew coordinators and volunteers have returned each year for over 10 years and are, therefore, very proficient at what they do. Most Festival functions are executed by volunteers with limited staff supervision or guidance. Volunteers have the authority and responsibility to make decisions about how best to deliver their mandate. Volunteers thrive on this involvement and over 90% return each year.
2. Treatment of volunteers - - As indicated, volunteers are given a lot of responsibility. They are also greatly valued and treated well. In addition to the normal tokens of free admission to the Festival and a nice t-shirt, volunteers can attend 3 parties with live entertainment, and they are fed very well in our volunteer kitchen. Even more important than these tangible acknowledgments, the Festival tries to demonstrate the great respect we have for the willingness of volunteers to contribute over 50,000 hours collectively each year. Although the minimum volunteer contribution is 20 hours, many volunteers donate over 50 hours of their time.
3. A few good staff - - Staff also play a vital role in delivering the Festival. They are committed professionals who are can work effectively with volunteers. Terry Wickham, Producer, manages operations and all staff (currently one full-time and two part-time plus 6-8 seasonal staff). Staff manage functions such as artistic direction, budgeting, performer contacts, administration & accounting, production, marketing & media relations and volunteer management.
4. Our values - - Our values are also unique as follows:
For further information about the history of the Festival, see Playing the Field, The Story of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival by Rod Campbell, B. Evan Publishing, 1994.
Our Vision - - Evolving as a global leader in community based folk music celebrations