EFAC Background

The Edmonton Folk Arts Council (EFAC) was formed in 1966, in preparation for Canada’s centennial year in 1967. A number of Edmonton citizens, interested in supporting heritage arts and folk arts groups in our city, proposed the creation of an organization to facilitate the combined efforts of these groups and to promote the diversity of Canada’s ethnic cultures through cooperative programming and performances.

Over the past 40 years, the EFAC has become a respected resource for heritage arts, folk dance and music, and cultural appreciation in our city. Noteworthy achievements include a performance tour to Tunisia, performances for numerous foreign and Canadian dignitaries, and a Canada Day performance tour to Yellowknife, NWT.

Our Vision Though we come from various cultures, we work together in one group, supporting each other in maintaining , presenting, and recognizing the artistry of Edmonton’s ethnic communities.   Our Mission Serve as a vehicle for ethnic groups to display their artistic values that form the very foundation of their cultures. Promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Albertans by showcasing their tremendous artistic skills.

EFAC Objectives:

The mandate of the EFAC is as follows: 

• To promote the preservation, development and advancement of the cultural heritages of the peoples of Canada.
• To promote cultural activities in the performing arts representative of the cultural backgrounds of the peoples of Canada.
• To increase positive interaction and better understanding between the lingual, racial, and national groups which comprise the peoples of Canada.
• To increase the interactions between heritage arts groups and the greater public by facilitating performances and exhibitions of a multicultural nature.
• To promote and assist the development of regional and local folk and heritage arts groups, especially with a view to participating in the celebration of Canada Day and other festivities honoring Canada’s heritage and nationhood.