For many of the same reasons behind Vancouver Folk Music Festival’s tragic and heartbreaking demise, Squamish Constellation Festival is contemplating the viability of producing its annual event in 2023.
Decreased attendance, escalating operational costs, and upfront payments and deposits – without start-up resources after many challenging years – will make it next to impossible to launch the multi-genre, three-day event without a substantial and immediate influx of funds and support.
“It is going to take lovers of the arts, with an abiding passion for live music and appreciation of the positive impact music festivals have on people’s lives and mental health, to reinvent this industry to some degree and help bridge this post-Covid chasm,” said Kirsten Andrews, co-founder of Squamish Constellation Festival.
“The Squamish Constellation Festival has never needed an angel more. We have only a number of weeks to determine whether a festival in 2023 is viable,” said Andrews. “We are looking for investment, for patronage.” “We need to join forces and bring this vibrant and important industry back to life.”
SCF acknowledges the beautiful contribution that VFMF has made to the live music community in British Columbia and around the world.
“The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has been an institution in the music landscape for nearly half a century. We are devastated to learn of the incredibly difficult decision the VFMF board has come to and want to extend our heartfelt sympathies, particularly to their staff who worked so hard to right the ship.”
“Constellation is built with community and connection at the fore. Our passion for providing a prominent stage for artists, in an inclusive and loving environment, is our vision – our North Star,” she said, adding the response to the relatively new festival has been overwhelmingly positive.
SCF is actively seeking investment, they can be reached at info@constellationfest.ca or their social media channels.
