A small Ottawa group is proposing an independent, not-for profit music facility in the city that would operate as a community centre by day and a venue by night.
Folkrum (a combination of the words ‘folk’ and ‘fulcrum’) would be a local hub where music creation, performance, talent development, and community involvement can take place, seven days a week, all year long, project leader Kim Lymburner said.
The venue would support artists of all ages, skill levels, and cultures, with a focus on singer-songwriters and groups that perform original works, Lymburner said. Other art forms such as literature, storytelling, poetry slams, comedy, and visual art would also be welcomed.
During the day, Folkrum would serve coffee and act as a networking hub for performers, audiences, and music professionals. By night, it would act as a fully-licensed venue with about 200 seats, hosting open-mic nights for amateurs as well as paid performances by established musicians.
The project is an initiative of Lymburner, who has spent 20 years with the Canada Council for the Arts, and currently acts as owner-operator of Elmside Studios & Arts Ally.
“Most venues operate exclusively in the evening and do not offer a way to generate a sense of community during the day,” he said. “It’s been a little frustrating, I think, for both artists and the public who wants these types of things.”
Folkrum would make revenue through things such as workshops, rental of space, concerts, membership fees, and selling coffee, Lymburner said. The revenues would then be reinvested in the enterprise for the benefit of the members and communities it serves.
“We think Folkrum is unique enough and it’s valued enough that it’s going to work,” he said.
Lymburner held an information session about Folkrum Jan. 30, and he said it was met with great success. Now they face certain issues.
“We have three big challenges—raising capital, finding a space, and lining up artists that can help us bring interest and do shows for us while we’re building the capital to realize the event,” Lymburner said.
He added he was surprised and excited at the supportive turnout at the event.
In the meantime, Folkrum-related events will be held at the Draft Pub on 801 King Edward Ave.
“Later this month and into March we’ll have open houses for artists, people from the music industry, and industry associations to help artists make connections.”
Folkrum would ideally be on a ground floor in an urban setting, be fully accessible and need about 4,500 square feet of space.
Lymburner said the project is searching for people who can contribute to the project.
“We’re looking for all kinds of people—artists, people who take an interest in social enterprise, people who may support the project by offering space, connections or networks that we don’t yet have access to. Just about anybody that has a positive spin and an interest in this sort of thing.”
Local performers, singer-songwriters, and bands are also welcome to be added to the roster for fundraising shows. Lymburner said he hopes to have a permanent space rented and refurbished by 2015.
