There will be some practical sessions, as well as presentations, on the day. And although it will be focused on projects in the North West and Yorkshire, I should think it would be appealing to folk educators from all over. It's about the rationale, approach to the material and the positive impact on the participants/communities, and often the educators too, that is usually the most interesting. 

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Invitation to the next EFDSS ONLINE: Folk Education Development Day

Our Folk Educators Group national network will be holding its first ever online informal conference day.

Friday 19 June 2020, 10:30am-4:30pm (10.30am-11am Arrivals in the Zoom Room)

You are warmly welcomed to attend this free informal conference and CPD event, organised by EFDSS’ Folk Educators Group. Folk Education Development Days are typically attended by 30 – 40 people: a mixture of people working in folk arts education and related sectors such as music, dance, arts, heritage and education. As ever, this will be an action-packed day of presentations, practical sessions and discussions, designed to be thought-provoking, informative and enjoyable, and to encourage knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking.

The theme for the day is: Celebrating folk education in the North West

We’ll be focusing on folk education initiatives in the Greater Manchester area and will be presenting the day in partnership with our friends at English Folk Expo who are based in Rochdale, as well as other friends and partners in the North West and Yorkshire. 

More details and to book a free place

Read on for more details…

Outline of the Day

The theme for the day: Celebrating folk education in the North West

Join us for an action-packed day of presentations, practical sessions and discussions. The day will be thought provoking, informative and enjoyable, and will encourage knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking.

Speakers include:

·       Rachel Elliott, Education Director and Sarah Jones, Programme Manager, National Youth Folk Ensemble - an update from the EFDSS Education Department on current work and future plans.

·       Tom Besford, Chief Executive, English Folk Expo - a presentation about EFEx, covering their response during COVID 19, an overview of their Artist Development Programme and their Promoter Training Programme, including Rochdale Folk Festival.

·       Georgia Woodhead, clog dance teacher with Oakenhoof Folk Arts – an overview of their work, including a practical session.

·       Kath Becker and Sorrel Harty, Bolton Music Service - setting up and running the Greater Manchester Folk Ensemble, and more widely about Bolton Music Service and the Greater Manchester Music Hub.

·       Rebecca Denniff, Flash Company Arts - a presentation of their Plough Stots project in Yorkshire, including a practical session.

·       Bella Hardy, Learning Programme Manager, Band on the Wall – an overview of their work, including a practical session.

Having been enthused by the speakers' presentations, there will be the opportunity for discussion and sharing of ideas in breakout rooms.

The agenda will be available soon and you can book your free place here now!

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Here's a bit more information about EFDSS' Folk Educators Group...

The Folk Educators Group is a national networking group of folk arts educators from across England and beyond, run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). Our membership encompasses all forms of the folk arts and we currently have over 360 members.

Established in March 2011 the Group has become a rapidly growing network committed to promoting high quality folk arts education and 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 Folk Educators Group also offers other organisations a platform through which to consult, or inform, a committed group of folk arts educators.