Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color supports folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities by investing in artists/practitioners and the community organizations that care for them. It is a national funding program managed by the six U.S. regional arts organizations (RAOs).

Often called the “art of everyday life,” folklife includes traditional art forms and other creative expressions that reflect the aesthetics, practices, values, and beliefs of community groups. All traditions are connected to the history of the communities that practice them, but they are not just art forms of the past. Instead, they are “living traditions” that adapt to remain relevant in a changing world, including new and emerging traditions. Individuals and communities use traditional arts to build collective power, engage in healing, and strengthen their identity. Walking Together serves traditional artists/practitioners and organizations that show a deep commitment to sustaining folklife rooted in communities of color.

What is it?

$15,000 grants for traditional artists/practitioners
$50,000 grants for community organizations
Grant funds have limited restrictions and do not have to be used for a specific project. They may be used to grow your work and help you support your community’s traditions into the future.

Who can apply?

Traditional artists, practitioners, and keepers of traditional knowledge rooted in communities of color
Community organizations and collectives that support folklife in communities of color, including non-profits, local and Tribal governments, businesses, and more
Must reside in one of the 56 states and jurisdictions served by the U.S. RAOs