Folklorama awards $2,300 to youth for ethno-cultural preservation

Cultural Preservation Fund, Featured

A small boy stands in front of two Japanese drummers, enthralled with their performance.

 

Folklorama recently handed out the inaugural round of awards through its Cultural Preservation Fund, an endowment held by the Winnipeg Foundation.

Launched in 2020, the Folklorama Cultural Preservation Fund Award (CPFA) program provides Folklorama members with access to monies to help grow youth initiatives for ongoing or new projects that celebrate, educate, promote, and preserve culture.

“I’m thrilled that we’re able to play a part in preserving cultural heritage and traditions for our members,” says Folklorama Executive Director Teresa Cotroneo. “This award program has been in the works for several years and to finally distribute funds to such a deserving group of recipients is very rewarding.”

This year’s CPFA recipients include Bolera Dance Theatre/Sol de España, Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-rouge, Rozmai Winnipeg CYMK Ukrainian Dancers, Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School, and the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association.

Christine Lamontagne, Co-artistic Director of Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-rouge has already seen the impact of their award. The group recently returned from the Mandorlo in Fiore (Almond Blossom) Festival in Agrigento, Sicily where they won an award for Best Musical Group.

 

A large group of folk dancers in cultural attire pose on a hillside holding a large Canadian flag.

Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-rouge at the Mandorlo in Fiore Festival

The experience provided an opportunity for the group’s young performers to deepen their understanding of Francophone culture and allowed them to engage in cultural exchange, learning from the traditions of other participating groups.

After being invited to perform in Agrigento, Christine knew she wanted new costumes (which she personally designs and sews) for the performers. “It was important that the costumes be historically accurate in terms of colours, design, etc. for the time period,” Christine explains. “Unfortunately, finding the right fabric to meet the requirements can be quite costly.” The funds Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-rouge received will go a long way in helping them recoup some of those costs.

Meanwhile, another of the recipient groups is using their award to fund a trip to Spain in July 2025 to study traditional Spanish dance.

 

Young dancers in traditional Spanish folk dance apparel pose for the camera

Dancers from Bolero Dance Theatre and Sol de Espana at a fundraising event for the groups’ trip

Dancers from Bolero Dance Theatre and Sol de España will attend a Fama Flamenco course in southern Spain alongside participants from around the globe. During the trip, students will be able to train in all styles of Spanish Dance, including Escuela Bolera and folk dance which Associate Artistic Director Geneviève LaTouche says are dying art forms.

She explains that these dances are being performed less and less, even in Spain. Her group’s ability to learn these dances and techniques, thanks in part to their CPFA funding, will help ensure these art forms are not forgotten.

Songyan Liu is also driven to provide youth with opportunities to connect with their heritage in a meaningful way. As Executive Vice President of the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (WCSA), Liu is excited to bring new ethno-cultural dance, vocal, and artistic instruction to the youth in his community.

With the funds received from Folklorama, Liu and others at the WCSA plan to establish a Chinese Youth Instruments Ensemble and a Youth Calligraphy Group.

 

A group of workshop participants hold up artworks showing Chinese calligraphy, a cultural art form prevalent in China and other parts of Asia.

Participants of a Chinese calligraphy workshop proudly display their creations

Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Chinese calligraphy is a traditional art form that enhances appreciation of traditional culture. Liu notes that past workshops have proven to be quite popular with participants expressing a desire for more opportunities to practice the art form. Youth will have opportunities to share their cultural knowledge at community events such as the Chinese New Year Gala, Canada Day Celebration, and the Chinese Pavilion, contributing to cultural preservation and celebration.

To contribute to Folklorama’s Cultural Preservation Fund and keep ethno-cultural arts alive for future generations, please visit https://folklorama.ca/get-involved/donate/.

Applications for the 2026 CPF Awards open in fall 2025.