again, I am expressing my own opinions and not speaking as a representative of EFDSS, but here goes:

My understanding is that FAE is more of an advocacy organisation. It has, I believe, intervened on behalf of both TAPS and FSW (not that advocacy has helped - I've a feeling minds may well have already been made up). It also lobbies central government about awareness and visibility of folk arts.

FAE is not a funding organisation. Organisations pay an annual fee to belong. FAE organises conferences and focus days (though "talking shop" might be a harsh description) but is very much about passing on best practice. At these events, it helps to bring together emerging artists and the people who might employ them. It has an historical relationship with Shooting Roots, the organisation which delivers youth workshops at Sidmouth and Towersey, but I'm not entirely clear what that relationship is currently. It also has published in the past Direct Roots, which is a comprehensive folk directory. I believe the next edition, possibly to be published on-line, is in the pipeline.

EFDSS is in an interesting position right now. New strategic aims and objectives are in place, but the person who will decide precisely how they are implemented will be the new chief exec, Katy Spicer. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say that those aims have at their heart education and outreach, and speaking as an EFDSS member I'm really pleased about this. I think the work EFDSS does over the next few years will be complimentary to what FAE does. Will it be "work on the ground"? I think you need only look at the recent Take 6 and London Links projects for the answer to that. This is practical education work in both London and the regions, and I think both projects point to an important new direction for EFDSS.

The regional folk organisations are clearly responsible at present for most of the "work on the ground" in particular areas. EFDSS has the opportunity to work strategically at a national level, and in multiple regions.