The Haliburton County Folk Society (HCFS) recently announced they will be receiving a grant from the Ontario Arts
Council to support some of their live music events in 2025-26.
Shawn Chamberlin, co-chair of HCFS said, “we are thrilled about this recent grant from the Ontario Arts Council. One
of the primary objectives of the HCFS is to expand the circle between artists and our audiences, thereby enhancing the overall audience experience and increasing their exposure to artists they might not otherwise encounter. This OAC grant will be a significant asset in achieving this goal.”
Funds from the grant will be used to offer artist workshops in conjunction with the HCFS’ 2025-26 concert series and enable hiring of out-of-province artists for the annual Winter Folk Camp in 2026.
“The Ontario Arts Council has invested over $5,000 in the Haliburton County Folk Society, through the Ontario Arts Presenters Project, to help connect artists with rural audiences,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock. “This funding will strengthen the society’s capacity to deliver accessible, affordable, and engaging music events, including the celebration of the 15th edition of Winter Folk Camp; an inspiring weekend of music,
mentorship, and community.”
The HCFS has been bringing live music to the Haliburton Highlands since 1996. The concert series lineup includes artists from a range of genres that have blues, folk, Celtic, roots and country influences. Artists on the schedule are Sandra Bouza, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Union Duke, Minor Gold and Jessica Pearson and the East Wind.
Series passes are available online. Winter Folk Camp will take place at YMCA Camp Wanakita March 6-9, 2026. For more information on all HCFS events, visit www. haliburtonfolk.com.
