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About the John Arcand Fiddle Fest
The John Arcand Fiddle Fest became a registered non-profit organization in 2001. We are non-membership based and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We operate with the equivalent of one full-time staff member and approximately 40 volunteers.
MANDATE
To promote and preserve fiddle music and dance and provide a forum to showcase youth, talent and culture.
CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC IMPACT
The following Ends Statements describe our intended artistic and entertainment impacts.
1.0 Global Ends Policy
People with an interest in fiddling, music, dance, Métis culture and other cultures will further their knowledge, skills, and experiences during a festival that is affordable to access.
1.1 - Skill Development Priority 1
Developing artists will learn new skills, develop knowledge, and further their experiences.
1.2 - Youth Focus Priority 1
Youth will receive the greatest benefit of organizational activities.
1.3 - Talent Showcase Priority 1
Developing, emerging, and professional artists will perform before live audiences.
1.4 - Preservation of Métis Traditions and Culture Priority 1
Elders in Métis traditions and culture will transfer their knowledge, skills, artistic creations, and traditions to younger generations.
1.5 - Affordability Priority 2
All people with an interest, especially families and senior citizens, will have the financial means to attend.
1.6 - Family and Community Priority 2
People attending the festival will experience a warm family and community atmosphere.
1.7 - Cultural Diversity Priority 3
People attending the festival will further their appreciation for the diversity in the cultural backgrounds of others.
1.8 – Observer Enjoyment Priority 3
People attending the festival as observers will have a comfortable and entertaining experience.
PROGRAMMING
We fulfill our mandate with the presentation of an annual fiddle festival held on the acreage of John and Vicki Arcand near Saskatoon the second weekend in August each year.
Programming includes:
>> Workshops
Conducted by experienced artists in fiddle, jigging, guitar, and piano. Free with admission to the festival, workshops are provided for developing artists at virtually all stages of development, including absolute beginners.
>> Talent Showcases
Two talent showcases display the talents of both professional and developing artists, delivering performing experience and audience enjoyment. The showcases present a variety of music and dance and promote cross-cultural exchanges.
Our concert lineup also features John Arcand and Friends, where the Master of the Métis Fiddle and other professional artists deliver a first-class performance featuring fiddling in a variety of styles, including Métis, old time, and Don Messer. A Gospel Hour on Sunday is a musical performance to lift your spirit and nurture your soul.
>> Competition
A fiddle contest sanctioned by the Saskatchewan Fiddle Association and the Canadian Red River Jigging Championships contribute to the development of musicians and dancers with performance experience and motivation to develop technical and presentation skills. Audience enjoyment is achieved through this activity.
>> Festive Family Atmosphere
A festive family-oriented atmosphere is created with free on-site camping, space and amenities for playful and active children, a pancake breakfast and Gospel Hour, and two old-time dances.
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