Dear Folk Alliance Australia Members
Welcome to the April edition of the FAA e-news.
After what has been a busy and productive time for FAA over the past month we hope you enjoy our updates:
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. National Showcase – Young Artist of the year.
2. Development Program
3. AGM and Membership
4. New FAA Grant Program Launch
5. Important Insurance Updates
6. Other news
1. National Showcase Program
The FAA National Youth Awards Showcase Concert was once again be hosted by The National Folk Festival in Canberra. Thank you to the National Folk Festival for their support and partnership in hosting our Youth Showcase Concert, our AGM and workshop. This year we were overwhelmed by the interest in part of our showcase program and awards – and unfortunately were only able to program a third of the number of applications. The diversity of talent and quality of the all artists made the task of selecting acts to receive our awards very challenging – well done to all the acts who will stay involved in FAA activity across the year - Terri Young, The Mulberry Collective, Chloe Nott, The Squeeze Box Trio, Bean Project , Aden Quinn, Hayley Stone and Drowsy Maggies.
This year’s Young Artist of the year is the duo The Bean Project – Ben Langdon and Bryce Turcato are based in Melbourne. Singer Songwriter Hayley Stone, from ACT was chosen by the panel as the running up. Congratulation to these acts and all the Showcase artsists this year – we look forward to working together this year.
Take a look at the FAA web site for details on the full lineup at the Showcase Concert.
2. Development Program
A diverse panel of well experience folk in the industry shared many experiences and insights into touring, showcasing and self management – the session was well attended and we look forward to the opportunity of hosting our next workshop over the coming months. To panellists – Lachlan Davidson, Chloe Goodyear, Olivia Hally, Kaurna Cronin, Rowena Wise and Jake Charron – thank you for sharing your knowledge and ti
3. FAA Annual General Meeting and Membership
Thankyou those who were able to attend our AGM held at the National Folk Festival. The committee elected at this meeting are Keith Preston- Treasurer, Fiona Ross - Secretary, John McAuslan, Olivia Hally and Ruby Hundson. Weclome to the new members and thankyou to Bob Charter for his work and enthusiasm for FAA over the past number of years and to,Mikaela Atkins and George Jackson for there contribution over the past year. Thank you also to Oh Pep! for their ongoing support behind the scenes and for the support work they have provided over the past year.
Big thank you to the FAA Membership’s manager Jim Macquarie. Jim has been a integral and stable part of Folk Alliance Australia since its inception, so he is the keeper of history, a fountain of knowledge and a great support – Jim’s passion for this organization and for the Australian Folk scene as well as artists is inspiring and commendable. Jim McQuarie’s work, energy and commitment to FAA are greatly appreciated – Jim will now stand down from his role due to health restraints. We look forward to continuing our connection with Jim and wish him well as he slows down and looks after himself.
4. New Grant Program Launch
FAA is excited to launch a new program or initiative, a small grant scheme – this is aimed at folk based Music and arts projects. Through this program this year will offer approximately small grants to our members for small but significant folk/cultural projects that raise the profile of the folk industry and community. Applications for this program will open on 10th May – for full details please go to our web site.
5. Important Insurance Updates
We regularly review this area of our operations and after significant research and work with our partners are really please to announce that FAA will introduce a new system and structure to insurance that will providing a streamlined approach to insurance for FAA members and providing an online platform whereby members can purchase cover instantaneously and receive a certificate of currency. The changes to the structure will be in place from 1st June and full details will be on our web site.
7. Other News
The past months have been at sad time for many as we Farwell many industry greats. We would like to make special mention of Louis Jay Meyers who recently passed away – Louise served at the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International ( FAI ) from 2005 – 2014 and was co-founder of SXSW – he has been a champion for musicians worldwide and encouraged the connection between FAA and FAI, attending our FAA conference 3 years ago in Melbourne.
Warm wishes for the coming month
The Folk Alliance Australia Team