Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

The Walking Together grantees have been announced! Click the button below to learn more about each grantee’s work and how Walking Together support will further their mission and impact.



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.

The application deadline for the Walking Together initial Self-Nomination deadline was Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The pilot round of grants is complete. We are not currently accepting applications.

What does Walking Together provide?

  • $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 are the Walking Together grantees?

  • 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

Regional Arts Organization Walking Together Contacts

Each RAO has a Walking Together advisor to answer your questions.  Please find your state or jurisdiction below via the dropdown menu to view your RAO advisor’s information.

Arts Midwest
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Christine Bial
Mid Atlantic Arts
Ellie Dassler & Joel Chapman
667-401-2587
New England Foundation for the Arts
Adrienne Petrillo
South Arts
Creative West (formerly WESTAF)