The Folk Alliance International Conference is the world’s largest gathering of the Folk music industry and community (crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Indigenous, Old Time, Traditional, Singer-Songwriter, and Spoken Word).
The annual February conference draws 2,700 artists and industry (agents, managers, publishers, labels, festival/venue presenters, promoters, media) dedicated to folk music. Delegates who attended the 2020 conference represented 27 countries including Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Previous New Zealand artists include Mel Parsons, Anika Moa, Delaney Davidson, Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikuraand, Marlon Williams, Graeme James and Albi & The Wolves.
Introducing Folk Unlocked
This year with in person contact being limited by COVID-19 Folk Alliance International is hosting Folk Unlocked, a four-day virtual event for the entire international folk community to come together for panels, workshops, showcases, affinity and peer group meetings, exhibit spaces, networking, and mentorship.
"We are unlocking the doors and windows of the house of folk to be as broad and inclusive as possible, inviting those who have been loyally attending Folk Alliance International conferences for years while aiming to reach folk musicians and professionals who have never benefited from or attended FAI before."
New Zealand @ Folk Unlocked 2021
The New Zealand Music Commission is partnering with Folk Unlocked to present a virtual New Zealand Showcase. We will be presenting 4 artists/bands who will each get 14 minutes to perform a live prerecorded presentation. We will provide each act with financial support to create their content. Interested applicants can apply through the form below. The final New Zealand lineup will be chosen by our partners at Folk Unlocked.
Link: https://nzmusiccom.formstack.com/forms/folkunlocked21
Applications close November 20th at 5:00pm.