Etienne Vankeirsbilck is a founder of IOV and has been a Vice President of IOV since its beginning in 1979.  He is responsibile for overseeing the Senator’s Club and other major donors.  He is active internationally in the world of folk art and music.  

His assistance was essential to the early success of Summerfest International, the Idaho International Dance and Music Festival and the Springville World Folkfest.  He has been honored for his work all over the world.  Individuals and festival organizations in China, Austria, the United States , Czech Republic,  Germany and many other country’s are among the those that have benefited from his work and shared knowledge.

Etienne founded “Wereldfolkloreade” (World Folk Festival) in 1967 and served as its president until 2004.  He accepted the role of Artistic Advisor to the International Folk Art Festival in Shanghai Boashan in 1995 and the China International Folk Art Festival in Beijing in 1998. In 2006 he has been awarded with the Special Honorary Certificate of the Shanghai Baoshan District.

From his home city of Oostrozebeke, he established and built the reputation of the West Flemish Folk Art Ensemble.  He traveled the world with the dance ensemble, participating first as a dancer and later as its Artistic Director.  He founded a Children’s Folk Art Ensemble, served as secretary and vice-president of the Flemish Institute of Folk Art, president of the Cultural Council of Oostrozebeke and was twice selected as “Meritorious Citizen of Oostrozebeke” by the Town Council

Etienne has a deep respect for the traditions of his home region.  He has co-authored a book on the folk costumes of Flanders and believes that there would be no development without cultural traditions and no future without culture.  In 1991 he was designated Knight of “Manneke uit de Mane,” the highest cultural order in Flanders with a rich tradition dating back to 1881.

Now retired from his profession and dance ensemble, Etienne devotes full time to his work with IOV.  Through Etienne’s work, many have had the opportunity to participate in international dance festivals and cultural exchanges.  Through these endeavors, Etienne continues to promote international friendship and respect.

In 2008, in honor of his contributions to IOV and folk art, Etienne was awarded Honorary Citizen of the City of Bountiful, Utah and Patron of the Traditional Arts.