Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

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

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About Walking Together

Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color supported folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities by investing in artists/practitioners and the community organizations that care for them.

Walking Together offered:

• $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 served traditional artists/practitioners and organizations that show a deep commitment to sustaining folklife rooted in communities of color.  

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

Self nominations closed on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.