folkenfolk

[folkenfolk]

Let’s talk about gentrification

Gentrification is described as "the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste."

Closer to home, Liverpool has its own stories, opinions and opportunities that should be talked about. Join us at Make Liverpool on Wednesday the 29th of November from 6pm as we discuss gentrification in 2017.

The evening will start with short talks from a panel of speakers before being opened up to a chaired debate involving the audience. Think Question Time, except we'll all have a drink in our hands and no one is allowed to talk about Brexit!

Who are the panel of speakers?

Ronnie Hughes - A Sense of Place

Mickey Carrol - The Economist Educational Foundation

Mark Lawler - Baltic Creative CIC

Tom Crone - Leader of the Liverpool Green Party

TBC

You can get tickets, and more information, here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/folken-lets-talk-about-gentrification-tickets-37950868068

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[folkenfolk]

[folkenfolk]

Let’s talk about how the arts are funded

After the fallout following Wise Children gaining a place in the new ACE portfolio of funded arts organisations, many people highlighted their opinions on how the arts are funded. For some it works, for others it doesn't.

Join us from 6pm on the 8th of November at Make Liverpool as we discuss how the arts should be funded - if at all - with an inevitable focus on Liverpool.

The evening will start with short talks from a panel of speakers before being opened up to a chaired debate involving the audience. Think Question Time, except we'll all have a drink in our hands and no one is allowed to talk about Brexit!

This event will happen to the backdrop of Make Liverpool hosting part of the Captain Beefheart celebrations, the following weekend. Nearly 50 artists will be installing the exhibition in our event space during that time.

Who are the panel of speakers?

John Hyatt - Director of Art Labs at LJMU (AKA: The Punk Professor)

Erika Rushton - Cultural Econmist, Artist, Social Investor with the Beautiful Ideas Co.

Karen Gallagher MBE - Artistic Director, MDI

Craig Pennington - Bido Lito

Neil Simpson - Linkedin Launchpad

Tickets available here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/folken-lets-talk-about-how-the-arts-are-funded-tickets-37949964365

[folkenfolk]

Let's talk about gender equity, shall we?

Gender equity means "fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities."

From "masculinity's pitfalls" recently voiced by Robert Webb to the #GiveUpYourSeat statement from Liverpool's Women’s Leadership Group - there is much to talk about.

Join us from 6pm on 11th October at Make Liverpool to discuss this with fellow Folken, including talks from:

Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs - Women's Leadership Group, Director of Baltic Creative CIC

Tabitha Morton - 2017 Mayoral candidate for Liverpool City Region, Women's Equality Party

Christopher McDermott - London 2012 Olympic Athlete

Andrew Mitchell - Deputy Director, Labour Campaign for Mental Health

Get your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/folken-lets-talk-about-gender-equity-tickets-37948829972

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Hello 2017. Folken is back.

[folkenfolk]

What’s your dream for 2017?

It's just over a week until our next Folken event, is hosted in the atmospheric surroundings of the Serving Library on Water Street. Click here to book yourself a ticket for Friday 9 December, when we're talking about dreams and adventures, and making them come true. 

Homebaked are bringing the pies, we'll be doing some mulled wine, and we'll have a full bar available too...

There's inspiration from people who've made their dreams a reality... Writer and radio presenter Cath Bore will be talking about writing fiction; Chris Stirrup talks about AFC Liverpool, fan-run independent football clubs and being priced out of top flight football; and Essential Journal founder Richard Singleton talks about magazines, publishing and men's lifestyle.

Folken takes place from 6-9pm, so there's plenty of time to combine it with your Christmas parties and nights out. We'll see you next week, for a warm and fruity serving of inspiration for 2017. 

If you haven't been yet, you'll find the Serving Library at 35 Water Street, L2 0RD.

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What’s your dream for 2017?

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How did we do?

It was great to see such a brilliant turn out, and we really hope that you took some value away from Folken. Folken will be back very soon, but in the mean time we would really appreciate your feedback on how our first series of events went. We've compiled a (very) short survey, which will only take a couple of minutes to complete, and we would be very thankful for your thoughts... 

Take the survey

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This week saw Folken move across the city to our friends at Make Liverpool. Sitting in the auditorium, the aroma of Pao’s Vietnamese food was not only making me hungry for the tacos but to start the evening and discuss ‘A state of independence’.

Once everyone had arrived, our talks began with Liam from Invisible Wind Factory. He spoke of its journey which began in 2007 as the Kazimier, remaining free from the constraint of the building, evolving into what it is today and the dream to create the best show in the world. His inspiring story showed that like minded people can support one another and create something special.

Next up was Lee, director of Weavers Door and co-founder of The independent Map Co. Though they are not connected, Weavers Door is a place that promotes freedom of mind, providing quality garments that have been carefully crafted with every stitch. Noticing that they themselves are a part of an independent community, they wanted to be able to connect independents around the city. Originally what was thought to be a one year project has expanded across the globe. They’re passion is to tell the tales behind independent businesses who value quality and individualism.

Our last speaker was Maria from News from Nowhere. During its 30 year existence it has moved around alot before settling on the much loved Bold Street, securing its future as an essential resource for Liverpool’s community. Throughout its time on the highstreet it has seen many businesses move and fail. The team believe that this is because their space is much more than just a bookshop, they tackle real issues and have never been afraid to confront them. As a business they remain independent and have a strong message - “our personal power can empower us to change the world and that books are, as ever, crucial in that path to empowerment and justice.”

As the night drew to a close, we welcomed questions and debated over more food and beer, until finally the music died down. I headed home feeling inspired and realised how important it is to have independence in our city.

Do not fret, we still have one more event...Folktales! Tomorrow we are sharing our narratives and experiences that bind us together. Let us sit around the proverbial campfire and tell each other stories.

Tickets are still available -  http://bit.ly/28PZDl1

Jenny x

[folkenfolk]

[folkenfolk]

An evening of storytelling

Do you have any tales about Liverpool’s heritage or its commerce? 

What does the future look like to you?

What is your vision of the city and how can we retain it?

Storytelling is one of the oldest folk traditions, helping us share narratives and experience, binding us together. Let us sit around the proverbial campfire and tell each other stories.

This Friday share and listen of tales of the city. Celebrate with us and join your fellow city dwellers along with music, food, drink and dancing.

To find out more and get your free tickets here - http://bit.ly/28NDhVg

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Thanks to Graham Smilie for some pictures of last night’s Folken, Start with the Grassroots. 

We came. We ate Homebaked pies. We talked. We had a beer. We listened to amazing grassroots stories and projects. We talked some more. Had some more beer. We had a great time. 

Make sure you come next week. 

#WeAreTheCity

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Folken starts this evening

[folkenfolk]

Start with the grassroots

Let’s get back to basics. We are all having the same conversation about cities, whether we live in the north, south, east or west. We are all talking about development, all talking about heritage. We’re all talking about legacy and the future.

At Folken we’re ready to talk and tell stories and this is Chapter No 1. Let’s start with the grassroots.

This isn’t about being passive. We want Folken to be about sharing tales, about discussion and debate. So we’re asking questions for you to consider and ponder and come primed. We won’t talk at you, we’re offering perspectives from people who we think are interesting and then we hand the night over to you.

Is the way we build our cities changing? Are we becoming more like activists, shouting, banging our drums and getting buildings saved, protected or developed? Or do we only do it sometimes and on some places? Every city is talking about its heritage. What makes the Futurist, the Irish centre, or Dale Street different from Earle Road or Everton Valley? Visibility, location, or vocal supporters?

Our cities have been rebuilt in a top down way in the past, are we seeing a sea change? Are social enterprises, small community driven programmes, a hyperlocal agenda shifting and changing how we demand our cities are preserved and developed? Think of Granby or Lime Street or Townsend Lane.

Is it technology that’s changed? Has it made us feel we have a voice? Or are we mistaking a voice for a few people and calling it a movement?

Civic identity, civic activism, practitioners. We want more control. But how do we get it, do we need to ask fundamental questions first - like what we want from a city? - or do we need to shift the power and have more confidence to say what we want when we want it? How do you give people the confidence to have an articulate their ideas for a city. How do they find like minded people, how do they know if it works?

If grassroots enterprise is the bedrock of our alternative economy then what conditions does it need to thrive?

Our speakers tonight are …

Britt Jurgensen - Homebaked

Toby Wallis - Architectural Emporium  

David Williams - Independent Liverpool

Tony Seasman - Liverpool Craft Beer Expo

Jim Noakes - Incubator of Change

And you, with whatever you have to say.

Sign up for tonight if you haven’t already

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/folken-start-with-the-grassroots-tickets-25673929414?aff=erellivmlt

[folkenfolk]

This Land is Your Land

This land is your land, This land is my land From California to the New York island; From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and Me.

As I was walking that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that endless skyway: I saw below me that golden valley: This land was made for you and me.

I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts; And all around me a voice was sounding: This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling, And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling, As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting: This land was made for you and me.

As I went walking I saw a sign there And on the sign it said "No Trespassing." But on the other side it didn't say nothing, That side was made for you and me.

In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people, By the relief office I seen my people; As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking Is this land made for you and me?

Nobody living can ever stop me, As I go walking that freedom highway; Nobody living can ever make me turn back This land was made for you and me.

- Woody Guthrie, Folk

[folkenfolk]

Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.

Swedish proverb