Artist Development
With our Artists’ Development programme, we champion diverse and talented professionals working in the folk arts of England.
We embrace innovation by providing training and support to artists at all stages of their careers. Everything in our Artists’ Development programme is designed to foster and sustain excellence in our vibrant and world-leading cultural sector.
Or read about opportunities for performers and visual artists at our venue, Cecil Sharp House
Just to say a huge Thank-you to everyone who helped to make me feel so welcome. All the staff, from reception to the canteen to the Library, were beyond generous and helpful. I am extremely grateful to all at EFDSS for this wonderful opportunity to research and create The Sorrow Songs
Angeline Morrison, Alan James Creative Bursary recipient 2022
In recent years we have commissioned and supported many new works covering a broad range of music and dance.
You could help us to do even more: donate now
Our work is currently supported by Arts Council England, PRS Foundation and Help Musicians UK. This has included professional development residential courses, performance development days, mentoring and more.
We are a founding partner of English Folk Expo (EFEx).
It was invaluable having space, time and good access to sources for researching queerness in folk traditions. We’re immensely grateful for the bursary without it we wouldn’t have been able to afford to take five full days off our other work to have intensive research time together.
Queer Folk, Alan James Creative Bursary recipients 2022
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Support us, and support the folk arts
We champion folk music and dance at the heart of cultural life, all across England.
Donations provide immediate support. But even more than that, they prove that so many people value what we do – helping us to secure funding from partner organisations.