Today, directors of a popular local music festival announced an about-face. They’ve rescinded a motion to dissolve the Vancouver Music Festival Society, which was going to be presented at the upcoming March 1 annual general meeting. Any board motion to shut down the organization requires approval from the membership.
“You told us how important the Vancouver Folk Music Festival is to you, why it matters so much, and how very much you want to see it continue,” the board stated on its website.
The decision came after nearly 300 members joined a February 1 online town hall hosted by the board.
The full recording is available on the Vancouver Folk Music Festival website. In addition, directors posted the society’s bylaws, as well as members’ ideas on how to save the 45-year-old event.
Earlier this year, the board cancelled the 2023 festival in Jericho Beach Park, citing much higher event-related costs.
Board launches fundraising drive
“The bottom line is that to build a sustainable festival we need funds—not just now, but secured funding streams that continue into the years to come,” the board stated. “So many festival and community members have told us they want our festival to survive. If the folk festival is going to survive and thrive, we need partnerships, we need sponsorships, and right now we need your donations. If you want to see this festival continue, now is the time to act.”
To that end, it’s launched a #FundTheFest campaign and a volunteer drive.
On February 4, Pancouver posted an article with detailed information on the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society’s finances, If the event were to be held this year, the board anticipates a loss of $460,600.
Last year, the society posted a $24,891 shortfall. This came after registering a surplus of $361,186 over the previous two-year period when no festival was held.
Follow Pancouver editor Charlie Smith on Twitter @charliesmithvcr. Follow Pancouver on Twitter @PancouverMedia.
