Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival Inc

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Tax ID 119718179RR0001 Canada ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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About Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival Inc

Overview

Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival Inc. aims to create experiences of discovery and learning through the celebration of people and music. Their mission is accomplished through the production of an annual internationally acclaimed music festival and the organization of smaller events throughout the year. By showcasing diverse musical talents and cultures, the charity fosters community engagement and cultural appreciation. Through their programs, they strive to promote inclusivity, education, and the sharing of traditions. Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival Inc. plays a vital role in promoting the arts and preserving cultural heritage.

Mission

The Winnipeg Folk Festival's mission is creating experiences of discovery and learning through the celebration of people and music. Founded in 1974 and rooted in folk music, the organization fulfills this purpose through its annual summer festival, year-round concert programming, artist development initiatives, and community outreach โ€” bringing music to Winnipeggers of all ages and backgrounds throughout the year.

Vision

The Winnipeg Folk Festival envisions a community where music fosters discovery, learning, and genuine human connection. It works toward a future in which live music and artistic freedom are accessible to all, and where volunteerism, diversity, and inclusion are celebrated as foundational values. The organization is committed to creating environments that are welcoming, safe, and respectful, honouring authenticity and the full breadth of cultural expression โ€” including Indigenous voices and traditions.

Unique value proposition

The Winnipeg Folk Festival stands apart as one of Canada's longest-running and most celebrated outdoor music festivals โ€” now in its 51st year โ€” that has grown far beyond a single annual event into a fully realized year-round arts organization. Its distinctive combination of internationally curated programming across diverse folk and roots genres, a deeply embedded culture of volunteerism, meaningful artist development through the Young Performers Program, and community-rooted education initiatives such as Musical Mentors makes it both a cultural institution and an active civic force. Held on Treaty 1 territory with a strong commitment to Indigenous inclusion and artistic diversity, the WFF uniquely bridges celebration, education, and community-building through the universal language of music.

Financial overview

Revenue (2025)
$6,712,760
Expenses (2025)
$6,596,743
Total assets
$6,554,993
Liabilities
$2,909,278
Year Revenue Expenses Program Admin Fundraising
2025 $6,712,760 $6,596,743 $4,261,281 $1,826,460 $359,002
2024 $6,978,366 $6,500,690 $4,145,890 $1,737,771 $617,029
2023 $6,506,970 $5,883,449 $3,706,367 $1,650,228 $526,854
2022 $2,112,070 $1,982,021 $562,976 $310,149 $108,896
2021 $2,005,595 $2,015,005 $678,126 $1,321,065 $15,814
2020 $5,707,114 $5,700,990 $3,372,058 $1,767,970 $560,962

Financial data sourced from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Revenue, expenses and assets

Revenue sources

Assets and liabilities

Spending mix by year

Leadership team

VS

Valerie Shantz

Executive Director

CF

Chris Frayer

Artistic Director

AH

Arwen Helene

Production Manager

BD

Breanne Delaney

Finance & Administration Manager

BM

Brittany May

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

DC

Darcy Cordeiro

Fundraising Coordinator

FN

Favour Nwagu

Marketing Content Coordinator

GF

Graeme Findlay

Board Chair

LB

Lucy Brandes

Board Vice Chair

LS

Lucy Szkwarek

Board Past Chair

AH

Adam Hanson

Board Treasurer

NR

Nicole Ritchot

Board Secretary

Trusted by

NWM Acts of Grace Charis CNCF

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