The North Carolina Folklife Institute is proud to work alongside a network of dedicated organizations that share our commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural traditions of our state. These partnerships strengthen our ability to serve communities, support artists, and amplify the diverse folklife of North Carolina.
North Carolina Arts Council
As a service partner to the state’s folklife sector, NCFI supports the North Carolina Arts Council through collaborative initiatives such as the Traditional Arts in Public Schools (TAPS) and the NC Folklife Apprenticeship Program, which connect tradition bearers with students, communities, and emerging artists across the state.
State Archives of North Carolina
Over 50 years of North Carolina folklife fieldwork and documentation are preserved in the State Archives. This rich and growing collection is developed through the work of folklorists and tradition bearers and is an invaluable public resource for research, education, and cultural preservation.
PineCone (Piedmont Council of Traditional Music)
NCFI partners with PineCone to make folk and traditional arts accessible to the public through concerts, workshops, and events. Together, we present programs that highlight North Carolina’s rich musical traditions and connect communities through shared cultural experiences.
South Arts
NCFI partners with South Arts to implement programs that amplify North Carolina folklife traditions. As a current partner in their In These Mountains initiative, we help support and expand the impact of our state’s TAPS and NC Folklife Apprenticeship programs by strengthening regional connections and deepening cultural understanding across Western NC’s Appalachia and beyond.
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
NCFI serves as the North Carolina state partner for the Foundation’s Legends & Lore® Marker Program, which helps communities commemorate local legends, folktales, and cultural history through roadside markers and storytelling.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Folklore Program
In partnership with UNC’s Folklore Program, NCFI helps bridge academic study and public practice. Together with faculty and students, we foster research, learning, and fieldwork that result in real-world opportunities for new and career folklorists to create and share public-facing content that elevates the stories and traditions of North Carolina artists and communities.
Interested in Partnering with Us?
We’re always open to exploring new partnerships that expand the reach of our programs and storytelling about North Carolina folklife. In addition to our work in the cultural sector, we are especially interested in collaborating with organizations in labor, environmental justice, health, education, and other fields that are looking to deepen cultural connections and incorporate a folklore lens into their work or research.
To start a conversation, email us at staff@ncfolk.org or visit our Contact page.