NEWS RELEASE
MARIPOSA FOLK FOUNDATION
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The Mariposa Folk Foundation is beginning the search for a new artistic director.
Liz Scott stepped down earlier this summer after seven successful years.
“The role of Mariposa artistic director is a special one on the Canadian live music landscape,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation president Pam Carter. “Building on the traditions and track record of Liz Scott and before her, Mike Hill — not to mention great artistic directors of the past such as Richard Flohil or Estelle Klein — we are looking for a candidate who is aligned with the Mariposa story.”
Founded in 1961, the Mariposa Folk Festival is one of North America’s most iconic annual gatherings. Over the years the main stage — which was renamed this year in memory of hometown hero Gordon Lightfoot — has featured such artists as Joni Mitchell, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Guy, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Odetta, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Spirit of the West, Barenaked Ladies, Serena Ryder, Blue Rodeo, Jason Isbell, Feist, and of course, Lightfoot himself. The two most recent Mariposa Folk Festivals sold out of weekend passes long before gates opened and the ratio of younger patrons has flourished in recent years.
“But it’s not enough to understand Mariposa’s deep history,” said Carter. “We’re also looking for someone who can continue to build on our vision for the future. When you’ve been around as long as we have, you need to both know where you’ve been and have a keen sense of where you’re going.”
The lineups for the three-day festival (July 5 to 7, 2024) include upwards of 60 acts performing on 10 stages. There is always diversity in the style, musical tradition, and in the lineup itself.
“Our audience expects to both discover new artists and appreciate some of their favourites. There’s something for everyone at Mariposa,” said Carter.
The Mariposa Folk Foundation anticipates completing the process to recruit its next artistic director by this fall. The deadline for applications is Sept. 11, 2023. The full job ad can be found here. Interested applicants are invited to submit a resumé in confidence to Pam Carter, foundation president, by email.
The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival features more than 10 stages of top folk-roots music, along with presentations of story, dance, and craft. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. On-site RV and tent camping is available. Tickets for the 2024 edition will be available for purchase this fall.
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