The Tennessee Arts Commission, Folk Arts Program, Records (1899-2014) represent an official record of the Folklife Program of the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) from its inception through the directorship of Dr. Robert (Roby) Cogswell. Totaling approximately 36 linear feet and housed in 63 boxes, the Folk Arts Program Records consist of office files, research files, correspondence, photographs, slides, negatives, ephemera, and a large amount of audio/visual materials. The collection documents Tennessee’s rich folk art culture as well as local traditions and art forms. The highlight of the assemblage is the approximately 22,000-image photography grouping which includes printed photographs, slides, negatives, contact sheets, and digital files. The collection focuses on folk artists and art forms as well as traditional and cultural art. Key topics include the 1986 Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife, information on artists who have received the National Heritage Fellowship and Tennessee Folklife Heritage Awards, and grants awarded by TAC. View the Collection Summary for full contents.