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Participants at a 2019 Traditional Arts Roundtable Series event hosted by ACTA in Leimert Park. Photo: Timo Saarelma/ACTA.
National Support Systems for Folklife, Traditional Arts, and Cultural Heritage
A report by ACTA and the American Folklife Center
ACTA has co-produced a new report with the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress titled National Support Systems for Folklife, Traditional Arts, and Cultural Heritage. The report summarizes discussions held at the September 2018 convening at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Organized by ACTA and the AFC, the convening brought together a group of folklorists and others in related fields to explore the topic of existing infrastructure for folk arts and cultural heritage in the United States, as well as opportunities and challenges for future collaborative strategies.
ACTA and the AFC wanted to spark a discussion about the current state of national infrastructure, networks, or support for folk arts and traditional culture. What services are being offered? What are the gaps and obstacles? What are the opportunities and strategies? What form would national service take? Is it even feasible or desirable to pursue coordinated planning for national service or support at this moment in time?
The report identifies common themes, areas of concern, and possible next steps. We hope readers will comment and add to the description by sharing their thoughts with us on social media.