Promising UK folk happening

Subject: Promising UK folk happening
From: Gervase
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:45 PM

It probably isn't for me to blow the trumpet, but I was alerted to the new Albion Folk site today, and was hugely impressed. It's an ambitious idea; to be the single 'go to' resource for folk arts in England, but given the people behind it, I think it's got legs.
The site is here for them as wants to see for themselves. Good luck to the project!

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 01:35 PM

Well, yes, it does look like it might work - is Ashley Hutchins involved though?

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: michaelr
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 09:05 PM

Not apparently - but a certain Joan Crump is, who, unless I'm mistaken, is no stranger to this site.

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 03:59 AM

Looks good (love the logo!) and I'm sure with their combined experience and knowledge they'll do well. There's not a "what we do" page yet, but the impression I get from the site is that they are an agency representing various artists rather than a "folk arts resource" as such, Gervase.

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: GUEST,cs
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 04:30 AM

"agency representing various artists"

On visiting the site, I was rather puzzled by the "go to resource" comment as there didn't seem to be any indication of 'resources' as such. But an agency / artists promotional web-site makes sense.

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: GUEST,JM
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 04:41 AM

"the impression I get from the site is that they are an agency representing various artists rather than a "folk arts resource" as such"

Its more than that. They plan to help use their skills at project management, fundraising, marketing, contract negotiation etc. as stand-alone services too. Most of this is aimed at the professional-touring-folk-arts world, but the people involved have a deep love and understanding (and non-london-centric view) of real grassroots traditional events so I think they plan to work at all levels.

See here : http://www.albionfolk.co.uk/front/services/services/21

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 04:47 AM

Would this be the reason for the EFDSS/Nick Hallam dispute?

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 05:05 AM

A multi-tool is a device that does several jobs adequately, but no one job well.
I am always suspicious of anything that wants to be all things, to all men.
Nor can you be both poacher and gamekeeper.
It's a noble ambition, but it would appear to have built in conflicts of interest.

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 04:53 PM

Thanks, Gervase and JM for the kind words.

To clarify, I don't think Albion wants to be all things to all people. But between us, we do have extensive experience and solid track records in the various services we're offering. If an organisation needs someone with experience in any of those areas to deliver a particular piece of work, we can either offer our own services, or if we are unable to deliver what they need, put them into contact with someone who can help. We will work with a team of associates who can provide all kinds of expertise, so that Albion isn't so much "the single 'go to' resource for folk arts in England", but more of a hub.

We are particularly interested in creating networks and opportunities for people to share resources and collaborate. We're currently exploring how that might work on a regional basis.

As several people have noted, there is also an agency side to the business. The agency is run exclusively by Nick Hallam, and the board of the festival I work for is aware of and happy with the arrangements we've put in place (just to address the concern about conflicts of interest).

We were overwhelmed by the warm reception from everyone at AFO conference this weekend - thanks to those we met for their kindness and support, and we look forward to working with you in future!

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 04:54 PM

Sorry - thanks to Spleen Cringe, too!

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: brezhnev
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 05:59 PM

"Albion Folk will aim to be a front-runner in establishing best practice in the folk sector and will look to establish work which acts as a benchmark for the sector in terms of quality and professionalism"

"In marketing, there is nothing worse than dull, generic or poorly-written copy."

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: Judy Dyble
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 06:19 AM

Just a tiny 'oh dear', my firewall (Zone Alarm) flagged the site as possibly suspicious and both ZA and Internet Explorer had trouble keeping the site open and eventually closed it..

Don't know if anyone else has had the same problem, but it was a shame because I was really interested in exploring the site, maybe your technobods should have a look at it?

Judy

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: mikesamwild
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 06:33 AM

Looks good and if they can promote a network of regional activity it's what EFDSS should be doing to support grassroots activity.

In these hard times we will need an alliance of independent organizations with an agreed set of aims coordinated by a hub - ( butnot an umbrella that seeks to sweep all under it).

Mutual aid, colaboration   and cooperation can deliver more than monolithic structures

Subject: RE: Promising UK folk happening
From: GUEST,Square the Circle
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 09:21 AM

This site may be of interest in months to come but as yet does not have enough substance to be of use, perhaps it went live a little early.