South Arts launches Traditional Arts Touring Program

South Arts is now seeking applications for its new Traditional Arts Touring Program. The pilot project is funded with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and will work to increase public awareness of the traditional arts across the South. This funding program is open to a wide variety of organizations, including community cultural organizations, schools/colleges/universities, libraries, presenters, and more. Unincorporated organizations may apply through a fiscal agent. South Arts staff can also direct you to potential resources and networks to identify traditional artists and scholars/folklorists.

Eligible projects must include the following:

(1) Engagement of a traditional artist or ensemble (meeting the description given here) that resides in South Arts’ region, but not within the applicant’s state for, at minimum, one public presentation and one educational activity

(2) A residency of two days or more

(3) The public presentation must include contextual/scholarly content by a folklorist or scholar

(4) Projects must take place in the applicant’s state

Projects may include performing (music, dance and storytelling) and/or visual arts/crafts. Proposed projects must include both a public performance/demonstration/exhibition involving both the artist(s) and the folklorist/scholar, and an educational/outreach component. For the public presentation(s), a minimum of 60 minutes of presentation by the traditional artist/ensemble and the scholar/folklorist is required, and the event(s) must be open and marketed to the public and dedicated to serving a wide audience.

Traditional Arts applications can be submitted beginning November 16, 2015 for projects taking place between December 21, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Organizations are eligible for only one Traditional Arts grant in this pilot through June 30, 2016.

Organizations receiving funding through other South Arts grants programs are eligible. All applicants are encouraged to contact Teresa Hollingsworth, South Arts Senior Program Director, prior to submitting their application to discuss their project. She may also be a resource for information on traditional artists, scholars, and folklorists in the region.

For projects in Tennessee or involving Tennessee traditional artists and/or folklorists/scholars, Tennessee Arts Commission Folklife Staff can also provide additional technical assistance.

For more information and full guidelines, visit the Traditional Arts Touring Program website.