UNITE AND UNITE!
The Folk Union exists to bring together contemporary folk revival projects. It has no interest in governing, defining or intervening in folk culture or folk practice itself. We believe that small, local and informal traditions should be left well alone.
The Folk Union is concerned only with projects that work with folk culture, particularly organised initiatives with visibility, reach or influence. It exists to offer a shared framework for care, responsibility and good practice, and a way for projects to stand alongside one another rather than operating in isolation.
It is a union in the old sense: people choosing to organise around a common standard, to support one another, and to look out for the cultural commons they share. It is not an authority, an arbiter, or a governing body.
The Folk Union mark is a voluntary signal of alignment with these principles. Any project that reads and signs the Charter can choose to carry it. It indicates shared values, not approval or ownership.
Find out more about The Folk Union’s aims and the context in which it was created here.
The Folk Union is concerned only with projects that work with folk culture, particularly organised initiatives with visibility, reach or influence. It exists to offer a shared framework for care, responsibility and good practice, and a way for projects to stand alongside one another rather than operating in isolation.
It is a union in the old sense: people choosing to organise around a common standard, to support one another, and to look out for the cultural commons they share. It is not an authority, an arbiter, or a governing body.
The Folk Union mark is a voluntary signal of alignment with these principles. Any project that reads and signs the Charter can choose to carry it. It indicates shared values, not approval or ownership.
Find out more about The Folk Union’s aims and the context in which it was created here.
Our Values
1.
KEEP FOLK OPEN
Folk is ordinary culture made by ordinary people. The Folk Union supports projects that keep it accessible and inclusive.
Folk is ordinary culture made by ordinary people. The Folk Union supports projects that keep it accessible and inclusive.
2.
STAND AGAINST RACISM & EXCLUSION
No nationalism. No gatekeeping. When you sign up to The Folk Union, you show that your project rejects reactionary politics.
No nationalism. No gatekeeping. When you sign up to The Folk Union, you show that your project rejects reactionary politics.
3.
PROTECT THE CULTURAL COMMONS
Projects should avoid treating folk culture as a product. They share culture openly and credit everyone fairly.
Projects should avoid treating folk culture as a product. They share culture openly and credit everyone fairly.
4.
ENCOURAGE FAIRNESS & ETHICAL PRACTICE
Fair fees, good treatment of participants, transparency and honesty.
Fair fees, good treatment of participants, transparency and honesty.
5.
CARE FOR LAND & ENVIRONMENT
Folk and landscape are deeply linked. The Folk Union supports projects commited to protecting the environment.
Folk and landscape are deeply linked. The Folk Union supports projects commited to protecting the environment.