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Now Accepting Applications: Walking Together

A collage of folk and traditional arts practitioners playing drums, dancing, and working together.

A new national program that offers grants of $15,000–$50,000 to support folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities of color.

 Applications are now open for a new grant program offered by the US Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) called Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color.

Walking Together will award significant, nonmatching grants to traditional artists, practitioners, and keepers of traditional knowledge that show a deep commitment to folklife rooted in communities of color,

Walking Together At A Glance

  • What is it? Walking Together offers $15,000 grants for traditional artists/practitioners and $50,000 grants for community organizations rooted in communities of color. Grant funds do not have to be used for a specific project.
  • Who can apply? Traditional artists, practitioners, and keepers of traditional knowledge rooted in communities of color, and community organizations and collectives that support folklife in communities of color (including non-profits, local and Tribal governments, businesses, and more).
  • Where? You or your organization must be located in one of the 56 states and jurisdictions served by the the United States Regional Arts Organizations.  
  • When to apply? Walking Together has a two-step application process. Traditional artists/practitioners and organizations are invited to complete a brief Round 1 Self-Nomination form, due March 19, 2025. Finalists will be invited to complete a Round 2 Application in June 2025.

About Walking Together

Walking Together serves traditional artists/practitioners and organizations that show a deep commitment to sustaining folklife rooted in communities of color.  

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 is guided by Working Circles of traditional arts leaders of color representing each state and jurisdiction of the Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs). USRAO staff work closely with the Working Circles to inform grant guidelines, outreach, and nomination processes.

Get Ready to Apply

Explore the Walking Together full program web page for more information including program guidelines, the application link, webinar information, program office hours, and Spanish language resources.

Learn More

Have questions about Walking Together?

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about Walking Together. Please email [email protected].

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