Folk and Traditional Arts
Our Folk and Traditional Arts program preserves, promotes, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions of our region. We believe that folk and traditional arts are vital to maintaining a vibrant, inclusive community that respects and honors its collective identity.
What We Offer:
Assistance for folk artists and cultural groups: We help individuals and organizations apply for grants to preserve their traditional practices and share them with the wider community.
Consultations and connections: We act as a clearinghouse for the public; connecting them to tradition bearers and advising them on presenting folk arts and/or building relationships with Erie’s New American communities.
Ethnic Market Tours: We offer a guided opportunity through New American-owned shops in Erie. These tours highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural contributions of refugees and immigrants, providing participants with a deeper understanding of our community’s diversity.
Refugee Owned Business Directory: We maintain and update a directory of refugee-owned businesses, showcasing the vital role these entrepreneurs play in our local economy. This directory is a valuable resource for residents looking to support diverse businesses.
Our Goals:
Expand Support for Folk and Traditional Artists: Increase the availability of grants and resources to help artists preserve and share their cultural practices.
Promote Cultural Equity: Ensure that all cultural traditions are recognized and valued within our community, creating a more inclusive environment where diversity thrives.
Enhance Community Engagement: Support artists and organizations to produce more traditional arts programming that deepen cultural understanding.
Document and Share Cultural Practices: Continue to document the rich cultural traditions of our region and share these stories through digital and print publications, exhibitions, and public programs.
Through our Folk and Traditional Arts program, we are committed to enriching the cultural fabric of Northwestern Pennsylvania by honoring and supporting the traditions that make our community unique. Whether you are an artist seeking support, a resident interested in exploring cultural heritage, or an organization looking to collaborate, Erie Arts and Culture is here to help.
For more information or personalized assistance, please reach out to Folklorist-in-Residence Kelly Armor at kelly@erieartsandculture.org.
Click below to learn more:
Grant Opportunities
Ethnic Market Tours
Refugee Owned Business Directory
We are a proud Folk and Traditional Arts Partner of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
