Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color supports folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities of color 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.

Initial Self-Nomination Deadline: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 11:59pm ET

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 that show a deep commitment to sustaining folklife 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

GUIDELINES

Please refer to the guidelines for more information on the application portal and alternative ways to apply.

Application Guidelines – English
Guia de Aplicación – Español

Webinar Application Support

Thursday, January 30
3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT
For Organizations (English)
Tuesday, February 4
7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT
For Artists/Practitioners (English)
Tuesday, February 11
3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT
For Organizations and Artists (Spanish)

Advising and Office Hours

Each RAO has a Walking Together advisor to answer your questions and help with your Self-Nomination. You can also join your advisor’s office hours for personalized support. If these times don’t work for you, reach out for a conversation on your schedule. Please find your state or jurisdiction below via the dropdown menu to view your RAO advisor’s information and schedule. We hope to hear from you soon!

Arts Midwest
Crystal Price
Mon. Feb. 10
3:00-4:00pm CT
Thurs. Feb. 27
12:00-1:00pm CT
Wed. March 12
4:00-5:00pm CT
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Christine Bial
Mondays, Feb. 10, 24, Mar. 3, 10
3:30-5:30pm CT
Mid Atlantic Arts
Ellie Dassler & Joel Chapman
667-401-2587
Wednesdays
Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19
1:00-2:00pm ET
New England Foundation for the Arts
Adrienne Petrillo
apetrillo@nefa.org

Saejin Yoo
syoo@nefa.org
Tuesdays
Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
1:00-3:00pm ET
South Arts
Taylor Burden
Mondays
Jan. 20 – Mar. 17
10:30-11:30 ET
Creative West (formerly WESTAF)
Ashanti McGee
Mondays, Jan. 20 – Mar. 17
1:00-2:00pm PT

Ready to apply?

The Apply Now button will take you to the Smart Simple application portal. Please refer to the Walking Together guidelines for more information on the portal and alternative ways to apply.