Latest news with #RFF
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Regina Folk Festival 2025 cancelled, organization to dissolve
The Regina Folk Festival has announced that it is 'no longer possible' to continue with the long-standing summer music event 'due to financial constraints and reduced operational capacity.' 'The time has come to say goodbye to the Regina Folk Festival,' it said in a statement posted to its website Tuesday, adding that the board of directors will work to dissolve the organization. Last year, the organization launched an unofficial 'save the festival' campaign while also running a 'fallow year' of programming instead of the full festival and promising a fresh start in 2025. The live-music event had been hampered for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic, returning in 2022. Back in November, organizers were 'optimistic' to announce that the 53rd iteration of the festival would be return. But in the RFF's statement, it said that by the end of January, 'it became clear that financial challenges and capacity limitations could not be overcome.' Artistic director Amber Goodwyn will also step away from the board after two years in the role, according to the statement. The organization thanked her for 'exceptional leadership through pivotal moments of transition.' Goodwyn became artistic director following the departure of executive director Josh Haugerud in 2023. The end of the festival was attributed to 'financial pressures from the pandemic, including stagnant or reduced funding, rising costs, and declining ticket sales,' said the statement. 'This news is difficult, however we are filled with gratitude for everyone involved with the festival. We are grateful for the dedication, love, and expertise of our volunteers.' Regina Folk Festival ready to roll for 2023 but future remains uncertain Regina Folk Festival sends out 'urgent' plea for assistance The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
CBC
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Regina Folk Festival done permanently due to financial struggles
Social Sharing The Regina Folk Festival (RFF) is permanently shutting down after decades of bringing music to the city's downtown. Despite efforts to restructure and rebuild, festival organizers announced Tuesday that financial constraints and operational challenges have forced them to cancel the event and dissolve the organization. "This news is difficult, however, we are filled with gratitude for everyone involved with the festival," the RFF board of directors said in a statement. In June 2023, organizers warned the festival was facing a "serious financial crisis" and appealed to the community for donations and support. The festival then announced a hiatus in 2024 to rework its format, citing ongoing financial struggles. "We are taking a fallow year; a year away from summer festival programming to rebuild our resources and vision in a reality that's still in flux for presenting arts organizations across Canada after the economic challenges resulting from the pandemic," the festival said in a news release on March 6, 2024. Instead of a full-scale event in 2024, organizers launched a concert series while planning for the festival's return in 2025. The 53rd edition was scheduled to run from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10. The statement Tuesday said that by early this year, the organization realized the financial and staffing challenges were too great to overcome. The festival has now begun the process of refunding all purchased tickets. The RFF's closure is the latest blow to Canada's live music industry, which has struggled to recover in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising costs, stagnant funding and declining ticket sales have put additional pressure on organizers. The RFF board says it now costs 30 to 40 per cent more than it did in 2019 to organize a comparable event. "According to the Canadian Live Music Association, the industry experienced a staggering 60% revenue decline during the pandemic," the statement said. End of an era Since its founding in 1969, the Regina Folk Festival has been a fixture of the city's summer music scene, attracting audiences to Victoria Park for a weekend of live music and entertainment. "For 55 years, the Regina Folk Festival has been more than just a celebration of live music; it's been a highly anticipated weekend of community building where lasting memories were made," the board said. "We are heartbroken that it is time to say goodbye."
Leaders
30-01-2025
- Business
- Leaders
RFF 2025 in Riyadh: Shaping Real Estate Future
The Real Estate Future Forum 2025 (RFF 2025) concluded its events in Riyadh, after three days of active participation from more than 120 countries and 500 speakers from the public and private sectors. Under the sponsorship of the Saudi Real Estate General Authority (REGA), and in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the fourth edition of RFF was held under the theme 'Future for Humanity: Shaping Dreams into Reality.' The event saw the participation of prominent local and international economists, investors, decision-makers, and real estate experts. It witnessed the signing of several real estate agreements and deals. It also achieved a digital reach of over 400 million impressions, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Wide Participation in RFF 2025 Taking place from January 26-28, 2025, the RFF 2025 held more than 34 dialogue sessions and meetings on topics such as urban planning and design of healthy, environmentally, and socially sustainable residential communities; and the importance of harnessing property technology (proptech) in green buildings. Furthermore, the RFF 2025 showcased the achievements of the municipal and residential sector to build a more dynamic and prosperous real estate future. Saudi Arabia's Real Estate Sector The event also highlighted investment opportunities across the Kingdom's regions; the importance of integrating economic sectors to promote growth; and the need to adopt advanced proptech to unlock limitless future horizons. President Bill Clinton captivated #RFF2025 with powerful insights on resilience, collaboration, and shaping thriving communities. Be part of #RFF2026 🌐 — منتدى مستقبل العقار (@Reff_KSA) January 30, 2025 Speakers at RFF 2025 pointed to the rapid advancements in the Saudi real estate sector, including enabling investors, governing its procedures and digitalizing its operations. This has bolstered the sector and increased its attractiveness to local and international investments. Moreover, speakers said that RFF 2025 acts as a platform for real estate stakeholders from around the world. Saudi Urban Development In the light of this, the former US President, Bill Clinton, hailed Saudi Arabia's renaissance, particularly the urban development. Clinton attributed this advancement to the wise leadership of Saudi Arabia and its ambitious and loyal society, which seeks to promote a diversified and vibrant economy, whether through oil, renewable energy, or other sectors. The former US President also emphasized that the countries' success depends on cooperation and innovation, noting that blending modernity and history in Saudi Arabia's urban projects is a clear example of envisioning the future and turning it into reality. Short link : Post Views: 10
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Real Estate Future Forum: 12 deals signed at over $1.6bln
The fourth edition of the Real Estate Future Forum (RFF), which kicked off on 27 January in Riyadh, witnessed the signing of 12 development agreements at a value exceeding SAR 6 billion. The joint deals aim at driving the growth of the real estate sector and increasing housing supply in various regions of the Kingdom. During the conference, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a number of specialised companies. The MoUs are expected to boost cooperation between the public and private sectors in developing innovative real estate projects that contribute to improving the infrastructure. This aligns with the Kingdom's housing programme aimed at raising the rate of home ownership. Majid Al Hogail, Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing, announced plans to deliver 20,000 housing units in 2025 at prices less than SAR 450,000. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Leaders
29-01-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Exclusive Interview: Al-Khalidi Unveils NHC's Milestones at RFF 2025
Ahmed Al-Khalidi, representing the Saudi National Housing Company (NHC) under the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, shared insights during the Real Estate Future Forum (RFF) 2025. 'We empower communities by providing land in northern, southern, and eastern regions,' he stated. 'Our Future Center delivers tailored government support and services to homeowners, ensuring accessibility based on client locations.' NHC's Strategic Role in Vision 2030 Al-Khalidi emphasized NHC's alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. 'We aim to lead sustainable urbanization, fostering economic growth and social equity,' he said. The NHC recently signed SAR 30 billion in agreements at RFF 2025, including partnerships with KACST and industrial leaders to advance off-site construction technologies. RFF 2025: A Global Nexus for Real Estate Transformation Hosted at Riyadh's Four Seasons Hotel (January 27–29), RFF 2025 convened 300+ speakers from 85 nations, spotlighting the Middle East's $1 trillion real estate pipeline. Discussions centered on NEOM, Diriyah Gate, and sustainability-driven projects, aligning with Saudi Arabia's goal to build 1 million housing units by 2030. The forum highlighted green architecture, AI-driven property transactions, and 3D printing in construction. Benjamin Deschietere of BCG stressed, 'Sustainable design is no longer optional—it defines global standards'. NHC's Logistics City project in Khuzam, developed with CETC China, aims to optimize supply chains and reduce carbon footprints. Global Partnerships and Future Outlook RFF 2025 facilitated 50+ strategic agreements, surpassing 2024's SR100 billion deals. Al-Khalidi noted, 'Collaborations with entities like Saudi Media Academy will upskill our workforce, ensuring Vision 2030's success'. With global figures like Bill Clinton attending, the forum solidified Riyadh's role as a real estate innovation hub. Short link : Post Views: 46
