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<p>HM Government has a strong commitment to all forms of music, including folk traditions
from around the UK and beyond. This Department’s support for folk music is delivered
primarily through Arts Council England, which has engaged with the development of
the English folk music scene over recent years.</p><p>The Arts Council’s primary investment
in English folk music is via its National Portfolio. This programme supports organisations
like Soundroots (£300,000 per annum) which runs the English Folk Expo (the annual
showcase for folk, roots and acoustic music in England), and the English Folk Dance
and Song Society (£96,748 per annum), which promotes English folk music and folk dance.
In addition, one of Arts Council England’s new Investment Principle Support Organisations,
Making Music, also supports a range of folk music ensembles.</p><p>Arts Council England
has also invested £47,803 in music in Romford since 2018 through its National Lottery
Project Grants. There have been no successful applications for Arts Council investment
in Romford from organisations focused on English folk music, but there is an active
folk scene including Haverfolk and the Romford Folk Club as well as the Romford and
Brentford Folk Dance group. As these groups meet at public houses in Romford, the
venues would be eligible, should they wish, to apply for funding via Arts Council
England’s DCMS-supported ‘Supporting Grassroots Music’ programme. These groups could
also apply for support via National Lottery Project Grants.</p><p>HM Government has
also announced the intention to ratify the UNESCO 2003 Convention for Safeguarding
of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which could help promote folk music traditions
across the UK. A <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/2003-unesco-convention-for-the-safeguarding-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage"
target="_blank">public consultation</a> on the first stage of implementation is running
until 29 February.</p><p> </p>
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