Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

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Initial Self-Nomination Deadline: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

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Introduction

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.  

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 

We invite you to explore the Walking Together full program web page for more information including:

  • Program Guidelines (English and Spanish)
  • Application Link 
  • Webinar Information and Sign Up 
  • Program Advising and Office Hours 

 

Opportunity & Support Type
Grant
Target Candidate
Open to all
Discipline
Folklife & Traditional Arts
Folk/Traditional Crafts and Visual Arts
Folk/Traditional Dance
Folk/Traditional Music
Regional Requirement
All U.S. States and Territories
Questions or need guidance?
Ellie Dassler
Program Director, Folk and Traditional Arts
Joel Chapman
Program Associate, Folk and Traditional Arts