One of the lead organizers for Yellowknife’s iconic Folk on the Rocks Festival has been recognized for her efforts with a special award.
The 2024 Arnold Edinborough Award is given out to recognize outstanding contributions in advancing the arts in Northern Canada. The award recipient is Carly McFadden, who serves as the Artistic Director for Folk on the Rocks.
Carly shared how she felt when she learned that she would be receiving this award.
“Of course, I was pleasantly surprised, and just genuinely surprised. I found out in the spring, and it’s definitely put a little pep in my step since then. It feels really good and I’m excited to be going to the Gala next week and getting to celebrate that a little bit.”
Carly has been with Folk on the Rocks since 2016, and since then, she has been able to expand that team from only two members to more than twenty, triple their operating budget, connect the festival to more than seventy-five different businesses, and provide a strong platform for Northern artists.
“It feels great, but I think that a lot of what I’m being recognized for was already there. Maybe it just wasn’t formalized, or just needed a little TLC, but there really is thousands of people behind this award, and I’m really looking at it as an award for Folk on the Rocks, and Yellowknife, and our arts community on the whole.”
The award is being presented by Business/Arts, a national charity that recognizes leaders, philanthropists, companies, and partnerships dedicated to strengthening the arts in Canada. Carly will be receiving her award on Monday, October 28th, at the Art Gallery of Ontario during the 2024 Business / Arts Awards Celebration.
