The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) The NCTA is the nation’s oldest multicultural arts presenting organization. For over eight decades, through festivals, tours, symposia, exhibits, and media productions, the NCTA has showcased the very best of the myriad grassroots folk, tribal and ethnic cultures that comprise our diverse nation.
Imagine transforming your city into a vibrant celebration of music, dance and art from across America that can bring 100,000 event goers and generate tens of millions in economic impact.
For three years beginning in 2023, the nation’s longest running traditional arts event—the National Folk Festival—can take root in the heart of your community. See your city streets flourish with an arts celebration that has been a successful catalyst for urban renewal and revitalization efforts in the communities it has touched across the country.
The National Folk Festival is a free, large-scale three-day outdoor event that celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture. It features over 350 of the nation’s finest traditional musicians, dancers, craftspeople and other keepers of culture in performances, workshops, and demonstrations, plus children’s activities, savory regional and ethnic cuisines, participatory dancing, storytelling, parades, and more.
Share the richness of your local culture and expose your community to cultural traditions they might never have the opportunity to experience.
Through its partnership with the host city, the National Folk Festival is an economic and cultural powerhouse that unites communities in renewing civic pride, strengthening community collaborations, and spurring investments in community infrastructure. Residents, civic leaders, funders and festival visitors alike will be enticed to explore other opportunities with the host city by this powerful, transformative and collaborative community celebration.
The application to be the next host city for the National Folk Festival is open until selected, with first review of proposals taking place starting December 1, 2021. Share your vision with us for bringing America’s premier celebration of traditional arts and culture to your community! Learn how to Apply!
And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 81st National Folk Festival in Salisbury, Maryland August 26-28, 2022.
