Purpose

The Folk Arts Program was created in 1983 with funds and planning support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Folk Arts Program seeks to: identify and document the diverse ethnic, cultural and occupational folk traditions in Hawai‘i; assist in the perpetuation of folk traditions in Hawai‘i; and promote public awareness of the beauty and value of folk arts in Hawai‘i and the importance of preserving Hawai‘is folk arts heritage.

Program Services

Over the years, the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program has provided an opportunity for advanced one-to-one instruction between a master traditional artist or cultural practitioner and an experienced apprentice. The awards are open to practitioners of any traditional art form or cultural practice in any culture in Hawai‘i. A master artist and apprentice must apply together as a team.

Past project initiatives undertaken by the Folk Arts Program include exhibitions, touring presentations, festivals, workshops, conferences, lectures, audio and video recordings, and publications.

The Folk Arts Program also provides limited assistance to individuals and community groups in presenting and preserving folk art traditions in Hawai‘i, such as identifying resources for the development of grant proposals, organization of festivals and exhibitions, and documentation of folk arts related projects.

Program Information

Additional information on the Folk Arts program is available here:

Hawai‘i Recipients of the National Heritage Fellowships Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts

Publications

Contact

For more information about the Folk Arts Program, call (808) 586-0736.

Related Links

American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
American Folklore Society
Cultural Arts Resources for Teachers and Students
National Council for the Traditional Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
National Heritage Fellowships (NEA)
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Western States Arts Federation