The Folk Education Network is the national networking group for folk arts educators from across England and beyond. It was established by the English Folk Dance and Song Society in 2011, and was originally called the Folk Educators Group. The growing Network is committed to promoting high quality folk arts education, and to supporting the practitioners who deliver it.
It exists to provide peer information and support, and to encourage dialogue with the wider worlds of culture, learning and participation. The FolkEducation Network also offers other organisations a platform through which to consult, or inform, a committed group of folk arts educators.
The FolkEducation Network is for all practitioners involved in folk arts education in any context including those working in schools, with youth groups, in adult learning and/or community settings. Although aimed at folk arts educators in England, practitioners from across the UK and beyond are welcome to join.
I'm very impressed by the strength and breadth of knowledge shown by the many passionate, talented and dedicated folk music practitioners. It feels like, while there may be challenges ahead for traditional education, there are many great educators ready to take things on board!
Pete Taylor, Singing Project Coordinator, Sheffield Music Hub
Folk Education Development Days
We run three FREE Folk Education Development Days a year. These are dedicated full-day events packed with professional development opportunities, information sharing and networking. They take place at different locations around the country and are for anyone who is working in or interested in folk arts learning and participation.
We also run some shorter online discussion sessions.
Next Folk Education Development Events:
Folk Educators Open Space
A drop-in hour to talk, share your thoughts and experiences and challenges of working during the pandemic. Inspired by and in collaboration with English Folk Expo's Folk Talk Together initiative. The session will be hosted by EFDSS and chaired by Folk Educators Group member David Brookhouse on Zoom.
Wednesdays evenings 8–9pm
To join the sessions and to share any thoughts or requests, please email Kerry Fletcher, Folk Educators Group Co-ordinator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Diversifying Folk Education
Wednesday 30 June 2021 - ONLINE
1 - 3.30pm
Our Folk Education Network presents this essential session on diversifying folk education.
Professor Tina K. Ramnarine (Royal Holloway, University of London), a leading thinker and writer in this field, will talk to us about concepts and issues in decolonising folk music and dance education and open up a discussion on how they apply to our work.
Dr Aziz Ibrahim, guitarist, composer and educator, and David Brookhouse, Heritage Learning Manager at Lancashire County Council will then present their work together on projects such as The Sounds of Heritage. They will talk about their practice and approaches, and how they are making work of relevance to the diverse communities in Lancashire.
For anyone involved or interested in folk arts learning and participation join us for this important event.
Timetable:
1pm - 1.15pm: Welcome and introduction to the context - Rachel Elliott, Education Director, EFDSS
1.15pm – 2.05pm: Presentation - Professor Tina K. Ramnarine, Royal Holloway, University of London
2.05pm – 2.15pm Break
2.15pm – 3pm: Presentation - Dr Aziz Ibrahim, freelance guitarist, composer and educator and David Brookhouse, Heritage Learning Manager, Lancashire County Council
3pm – 3.20pm: Discussion - in small groups
3.20pm – 3.30pm: Feedback from groups, round up and goodbye
The most recent Folk Education Discussion, on the topic of Calling through Covid, took place online on Saturday 20 March.
The most recent Folk Education Development Day, on the theme of Inclusive Folk Arts and Disability, took place online (via Zoom) on Friday 13 November 2020.
Join the Folk Education Network
Membership of the Group and attendance at the Folk Education Development Days is free. As a member you can access the members’ only Facebook site, which allows you to share good practice, advertise job opportunities and get in touch with other members.
To register, please visit the Folk Education Network Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/folkeducators
For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Follow us on LinkedIn for news and opportunities