History

Thirty-five years ago, representatives from the ethno cultural communities of Niagara joined together and pooled their resources to present the first St. Catharines Folk Arts Festival. From that inaugural Festival in 1969, was born the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines, which was chartered and incorporated in the Province of Ontario on April 30, 1970. Since that time, the Council has grown to become a vital Multicultural Centre in the community, moving beyond its local boundaries to provide a wide range of essential services for newcomers to Canada throughout the Niagara Region, as well as continuing to play a primary role in the preservation and advancement of our unique cultural heritage.

  

Please view Historical Dissertation by clicking Here!    Chapter 1   Chapter 2    Chapter 3     Selected Bibliography

Mission

The Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines Multicultural Centre works to create and maintain an integrated and harmonious community through:

  • The promotion of respect and understanding for all cultural, racial and religious diversity

  • Supporting the successful settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada

  • Cooperating with other community members and organizations

  • Encouraging the preservation and interaction of the community's diverse cultural groups

Constituency

The Folk Arts Council is comprised of more than thirty ethno cultural groups, as well as numerous community groups and individual members. 

A twelve member Board of Directors, together with a St. Catharines City Council appointee, governs it. 

A professional staff of approximately twenty-five assisted by a group of dedicated volunteers, delivers the Centre’s programs and services.

The Folk Arts Council is a registered, non-profit charitable corporation (Revenue Canada Charitable Registration No. 11892 0370 RR 0001). 

All donations are gratefully received, and we also welcome the opportunity to discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities with interested parties.

Facilities

The Multicultural Centre’s home is Robertson School, a restored historic building in downtown St. Catharines. 

Built in 1829 as the second high school in Upper Canada, the building is leased by the Centre from the City of St. Catharines.

The Council also operates the Robertson Hall – the school’s former home economics and industrial mechanics building that has been restored as a distinctive 

meeting space and banquet facility that is available for public and private functions.

 

+ MAIL

85 Church Street

St. Catharines, ON L2R 3C7

Å PHONE 905-685-6589

Ê FAX 905-685-8376

E-MAIL: info@folk-arts.ca

DETAILED MAP

Board of Directors:

 

EXECUTIVE President: Winston Heron

1st Vice President:  Helga Craig

2nd Vice President:  Jenny Kishishian

Secretary:  Cynthia Johnson

Treasurer:  Martin Mounir

 

DIRECTORS:

Nadia Badr

Rod Cuizon

Deborah Bush

Mai Elton

Rose Gaba

Viia Hanright

Susan Jostman

Johnny Pingol

Greg Washuta (City Councillor)