• Founded in 1933, the NCTA is the oldest folk arts organization in the nation.

  • The NCTA is dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk and traditional arts in the United States.

  • NCTA’s dynamic programs celebrate the richness of America’s diverse, living heritage.

  • NCTA partners with communities to build sustainable cultural events that deliver lasting social, cultural and economic benefits.

  • The acclaimed National Folk Festival is the nation’s longest-running multicultural celebration of traditional arts.

  • NCTA presents grassroots artists of the highest caliber in festivals, tours, exhibitions, media productions, and other activities.

  • NCTA is committed to presenting those arts that collectively define us as a people, that represent continuity from the past to the present and into the future.

  • The NCTA Collection has been called “one of the major cornerstones of 20th century American folk music 
documentation.”

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Features

  • Recap: Masters of American Music

    Recap: Masters of American Music

    Thank you to everyone who showed up for our March 14 show, Masters of American Music at the Hamilton! We had a sold-out crowd, and the energy in the room was electric. Established musicians Jerry Douglas, ... Read More »

Features

Sights & Sounds

Sights & Sounds

  • NCTA Radio: “Gospel Ship”

    NCTA Radio: “Gospel Ship”

    Over the coming months, NCTA Radio will be streaming a series of thematic programs that feature music from the NCTA Collection.  “Gospel Ship” is the first of these programs, which were produced over a 10-year period ... Read More »