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Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

Walking Together is a national program that offers grants of $15,000–$50,000 to support folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities of color.

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

About Walking Together

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.

Walking Together offers:

  • $15,000 grants for traditional artists, practitioners, and keepers of traditional knowledge rooted in communities of color 
  • $50,000 grants for community organizations and collectives that support folklife in communities of color, including non-profits, local and Tribal governments, businesses, and more  

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.  

Walking Together is a national funding program managed by the six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs)

Self nominations are now open. Learn more and apply by Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

How Do I Apply?

  1. 1

    Read the Guidelines

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

    • Program Guidelines 
    • Application Link 
    • Webinar Information and Sign Up 
    • Program Advising and Office Hours 
    • Spanish Language Resources 
  2. 2

    Join a Webinar

    Interested in the new Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color grants?

    Tune in to an upcoming webinar to learn more and ask us your questions.  

    If you have additional questions after watching a webinar and reading the guidelines, join us for office hours. Click on the links below to register for a session.

  3. 3

    Submit a Self Nomination by Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 11:59pm ET

    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. Learn more here.

    The USRAOs will invite select finalists to complete Round 2 Applications between June 5 and July 21, 2025. 

Apply Now

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.

Apply Now

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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