Money problems forcing N.L. Folks Arts Society, annual festival to likely shutter

After nearly 50 years of highlighting the arts, along with traditional and folk music, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival could be taking its final bow — along with the folk arts society that runs it.

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society board president Julie Vogt told CBC News financial constraints continue to hamper the effort this summer, and it's looking likely that year's festival will be the final one, and the society itself will also shutter.

"I encourage everyone to allow us to go out with grace, get your tickets for this last folk festival. Remember all the wonderful feels that you've ever had and come celebrate with us because that's what it's going to be — a celebration," she told CBC News on Monday.

The tipping point was missing out on a multi-year ArtsNL grant that the society had hoped to land to sustain its operation. 

In an email to members on Friday, Vogt wrote the new board found it highly unlikely it could raise an additional $75,000 to fill the gap left behind from the ArtsNL money. The board also assessed an "extremely low" probability that ticket sales for this year's festival would meet even a "modest budget."

But this summer's event will go ahead as planned, running from July 11 to July 13 in Bannerman Park in downtown St. John's.

Vogt said the society had a $140,000 fundraising goal, and landed just $8,000 short.

"We were that close," she said.

The festival itself costs about $192,000 to pull off. That's before a ticket is sold or performers are paid.

Vogt said she's disappointed the festival couldn't reach its 50th year, and big plans were in the making.

"It's gut-wrenching, but we are going to give you the best folk festival we can with the small number of people that we have to do it," she said.

Vogt also offered reassurance that performers scheduled to perform will be paid and the festival will be the same festival people are familiar with.

As for the future, Vogt said there would need to be a miracle to keep the society and festival going, such as an angel investor and support from the public.

While small donations are welcomed, she encouraged people to buy tickets for this year's event, too.

It's not the first time the society and its festival have been on shaky ground. 

In January, then-president Deborah Coombs announced temporary layoffs of five staffers due to rising costs having an impact on the bottom line.

Then, Vogt revealed in March, the festival was in danger of closing due to heavy financial strain, as the 2024 event left the society with over $100,000 in debt.

In response, the society appealed to the public to help raise funds, and launched a "Save our Festival" campaign.

In April Vogt said $23,000 was raised, the 2025 event would go ahead and they were pursuing more corporate sponsorships.

Youth programming impacted

The society also has youth programs that support young people interested in traditional music. 

Those include members of the musical trio the Salt Beef Junkies, who learned to play from older mentors through the society's Young Folk at the Hall program.

"That's the sad part about this news, about today, is that well, it's been our childhood," Ty Simms told CBC News on Monday. "That's how a lot of young musicians get their first big gig in Newfoundland."

The trio is opening up the festival on the main stage this year, and are hoping they can draw enough people to keep the society alive. 

"Hopefully more funding does come, because the Folk Festival is probably one of the best festivals in the province," said accordion player Luke Mercer. 

Simms said the festival helps keep young people interested in Newfoundland music. 

"If you have kids, if you have even teenagers, who are looking into new music or even just want to come hear in Newfoundland music … go support the Newfoundland Folk Festival."

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