FESTIVAL ETHOS
EMPOWERING AUDIENCES, ARTISTS, AND COMMUNITIES TO CELEBRATE AND CREATE TOGETHER
EXCELLENCE
Showcasing the highest quality in performances, workshops, and community engagements.
INCLUSION
Creating a space where all artists and audiences feel welcome, celebrating a diversity of cultures, backgrounds and stories.
INTEGRATION
Giving opportunity for collaboration between artists and audiences, where anyone can engage, contribute, and co-create.
SUSTAINABILITY
Nurturing a sustainable cultural landscape where folk traditions thrive, evolve, and inspire future generations.
EXCELLENCE
From well-known acts to local community groups, the Festival brings together artists and facilitators from across Australia and abroad who are passionate exponents of their particular cultural niche.
Tradition bearers share songs, tunes and poems, passing on folk knowledge through aural transmission. Observant songwriters reflect ourselves back and offer insights into societal issues and hope for humanity. Dancers lead you through traditional sequences and get your feet moving. Gifted teachers share skills and knowledge through workshops and informal sessions. People come together creating street performances and unexpected diversions that provide excellent entertainment and light-hearted relief to rejuvinate you over the long weekend.
INCLUSION
The Festival has a long history of being a safe and inclusive place for people from all walks of life. This continues to be a focal point so that anyone feels welcome to come along and find their place amongst the Folk family.
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From a programming perspective, the Festival aims to represent the diversity seen in our applications and to engage with groups facing barriers to this process. Additionally, providing time and space in the program to celebrate Folks of all sorts is a priority.
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From a logistical perspective, the Festival site and camping areas are accessible and family friendly, plus there is a dedicated team to assist Festival goers with any specific needs. Recognising invisible needs is also a priority, with a low-sensory space provided to counteract potential Festival overwhelm for artists and audiences alike. ​​
INTEGRATION
Forging genuine connections between artists and audiences, and facilitating participation opportunities are integral to the unique character of the Festival, supported by an array of uniquely curated venues, each offering its own flavour and experience. From big gigs through to intimate encounters with artists, the program offers a diverse range of activities, including family events, dances, spoken word recitations, workshops and forums. Festival goers can have their moment in the spotlight too by joining in large ensembles like the Festival Choir or Festival Strings or signing up for a blackboard concert.
The Session Bar is a renowned meeting place and much-loved space where musicians congregate to jam throughout the day and night. Throughout the Festival grounds, expect the unexpected, with spontaneous antics and unique street performances contributing to the Festival’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, whilst you browse artisan stalls and indulge in the delicious offerings of our carefully chosen vendors.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Festival resembles a tree, with its roots firmly set in the Folk traditions, cultures and histories of Australia. The Festival is a celebration of the strength of the trunk in the present, whilst protecting new growth for the future under the safety of its mighty branches.
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Fostering community and collaboration where individuals become part of something bigger than themselves is part of the ongoing strength of the Festival and the Folk community of Australia more broadly. The Festival is a multigenerational gathering place with space for younger folks to learn and grow, alongside listening to and celebrating the wisdom of the ages.
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The Festival Team collaborates with other Folk organisations and festivals to support the Folk scene in Australia. We strongly believe that music, dance and spoken word should be an organic part of life, and encourage active participation in your local Folk community to enjoy a richer, more expressive and connected life.
EXPRESSION & RESPECT
The National Folk Festival celebrates the sharing of stories and messages as part of a long folk tradition. Our Festival is a community bringing together the rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints of every participant. Folk music, in particular, has historically formed part of political discourse with deep and powerful political messages being delivered through song, verse and dance. The National Folk Festival continues and embraces this history.
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As a participant, you may not agree with everyone or everything you see and hear at the Festival, and we are committed to ensuring our event is safe and inclusive for everyone. Some views expressed may be disagreed with or make some participants uncomfortable. The Festival allows such views to be expressed respectfully and in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Likewise, we expect those who disagree to engage safely and respectfully and in the spirit of discourse and friendship that the Festival celebrates.
SPOTIFY STATEMENT
From May 2026, the National Folk Festival will no longer request or use Spotify accounts, links or statistics in artist submissions, assessment or marketing. This change reflects our commitment to supporting artists and aligning the Festival with our ethos. A full statement is now available on our website, including what it means for artists and our community, and calls to action for both individuals and organisations. Click below to read the full statement and find out how you can help.