FMO 2020 – Message from the Board

MESSAGE FROM THE STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FOLK MUSIC ONTARIO

For the past 33 years, Folk Music Ontario (FMO) has proudly hosted an annual conference that brings together
our wonderful folk community to celebrate, to learn, to connect, and of course to hear some great music!
Based on direction from healthcare professionals and government officials, it is with heavy hearts that we
announce that the annual FMO conference will not take place in 2020. Please know this decision has not been
made lightly. After consideration of current information and much discussion, this was determined to be the
best path forward given the circumstances we all find ourselves in.

With the current health and safety challenges of large public gatherings, travel concerns, as well as lost income
being experienced by many, we knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, to deliver the kind of conference
that we all expect, while still respecting the wellbeing of the community.

While we won’t be able to meet in person this fall, rest assured that we are working on alternative ways to keep
us connected. We will use this opportunity to strengthen our programming and develop new opportunities to
further support the growth and development of the folk music community and industry. Watch your inbox and
our social media accounts for announcements.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
For those who have already purchased a registration for the 2020 conference, you will soon be receiving an
email with information on how to request a full refund, carry your registration over to the next edition of the
conference, or donate your registration fee (or a portion of your fee) to the Friends of Folk campaign.

AWARD AND SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS
Thank you to everyone who submitted applications. Even if we can’t do it in person, we will find ways to
celebrate our 2020 award winners regardless. As for showcase applications, we want to thank Bandzoogle for
their generous support in covering the application fees. We are currently working out how to best provide
opportunities for our showcasing artists to support their career growth and to help share their music. Details to
come.

Thank you for being a supportive, understanding, creative, and resilient community! We look forward to being
together again in 2021. Until then, stay safe, healthy and take care of one another.

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of Folk Music Ontario,

Alka Sharma
Executive Director
asharma@folkmusicontario.ca

Preetam Sengupta
Co-President
preetam.sengupta@gmail.com

Amie Therrien
Co-President
amietherrien@gmail.com