North Carolina Folklife Institute Homepage

Supporting and uplifting
the diverse folklife
and traditional arts
of North Carolina

What is Folklife?

The everyday arts, practices, and traditions that shape community life and identity.
Learn more about folklife and traditional arts.

Our Work

NC Folklife Apprenticeships

Legends & Lore® Marker Program

Musicians gather outdoors at night during Fandango de Durham, playing string instruments in a circle as community members look on under hanging lights.

Fiscal Sponsorship

The Latest

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

NC Folklife Apprenticeships – Deadline July 17, 2026

Mount Olive’s New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop Featured on NPR

A beloved North Carolina tradition, Mount Olive’s New Year’s Eve pickle drop was featured on NPR, with context from the North Carolina Folklife Institute.

Graphic reading “2025 Year in Review” with “North Carolina Folklife Institute” below on a simple, neutral background.

2025 Year in Review

Stories, Partnerships, and the Work Ahead

Collage of headshots showing three North Carolina Folklife Apprenticeship pairs—six artists and tradition bearers participating in the statewide apprenticeship program.

NC Folklife Institute Announces 2025 In These Mountains Folklife NC Folklife Apprenticeship Awardees

$10,000 Awards Support Apprenticeship Pairs in NC’s Mountain Communities to Preserve Traditional Arts