Folk Arts Oxford aims to promote folk and traditional dance, music and song in the Oxfordshire region. In particular we are interested in improving access for those who might face barriers to participation in the arts.
Through our funded project work: children in Headington have learned about local lad William Kimber, and the musical legacy he has left; a new band called Iris has been formed, who accompany all their songs with Makaton signing; children from mainstream and special schools in Oxfordshire have the chance to create music together, and perform on the main stage at Folk Weekend: Oxford.
Alongside our own projects and events, FAO works collaboratively with other local organisations, forging links and creating opportunities for folk artists to work in education and community projects, as well as showcase their talent in local events.
It's been a hectic day at BTTQ headquarters this morning, with an article on the project appearing in the Oxford Mail, and the first day of our school workshops at Windmill School!
It's particularly exciting to be doing Morris at Windmill, as Kimber and his son used to go and teach the children there when it was a secondary school. The kids all loved the dancing, and it was a real privilege to feel like we were passing on Headington dances to the next generation of Headington residents.
