The Arts Foundation's remit is very specific: "to support the individual artist. The Foundation gives financial assistance to talented, emerging artists at a time in their careers when they have shown commitment to, and reached some professional standing in, their artform. At this critical stage, a period of relative security in order to explore new avenues or consolidate existing work is often crucial."

It appears to rely on "leading practitioners and experienced professionals whose key positions enable them to identify the most talented and deserving artists"

I think it is great that folk music is recognised as an art form by such an organisation - not so long ago the arts establishment would have looked down its nose at folk. And good luck to the lucky performers who've been shortlisted.

However I do have reservations. One is the opacity of the selection process - while I've no criticism of the shortlist, it's not difficult to think of many others equally talented and deserving. The other is the emphasis on professional performers. Folk is possibly unique in being a mostly participatory artform, with the professionals forming just the tip of the iceberg. There can be few other artforms where amateurs and semi-professionals are so important and play such prominent roles. In this context, to award such a large sum to an individual seems a bit inappropriate. However, that's how the AF functions, so take the money gladly.