Today's guest is Fiona Black, Artistic Director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Throughout her career, Fiona has helped shape British Columbia's cultural landscape as a presenter, programmer, and advocate for the arts.

Before joining the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Fiona led programming at the BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts at Capilano University, curating an eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance, and spoken word. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about connecting artists with audiences, championing diverse voices, and creating meaningful cultural experiences through the performing arts.

In this conversation, Fiona reflects on the role of festivals in bringing communities together, the importance of supporting artists, the challenges and rewards of presenting live performance, and what it takes to sustain a vibrant arts community. It is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, creativity, cultural stewardship, and the lasting impact the arts can have on both artists and audiences.

As always, Daphne asks Fiona to share her own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Learn More

Vancouver Folk Music Festival: https://thefestival.bc.ca/

BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts: https://www.capilanou.ca/student-services/community/blueshore-financial-centre-for-the-performing-arts/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

About Like a Pearl

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Credits

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.