Texas Folklife is a statewide organization dedicated to presenting, preserving and promoting the traditional music, arts and culture of Texas. Our goal is to entertain, educate and keep our diverse Texas traditions alive for generations to come – and, through the arts – to find a common ground among cultures. We believe that the elements of Texas folklife – the shared stories, songs and customs that contribute to our cultural landscape – must be recognized and honored if they are to remain part of our lives.
Texas Folklife is engaged in exciting projects throughout the state, including:
-Cultural events, programs and gallery exhibits that travel to cultural centers statewide and nationally; and productions such as our NEA-funded Border Radio series for public radio.
-Educational programs, such as another NEA-funded project Stories from Deep in the Heart, connect Texans to the artists, craftspeople, storytellers and musicians who can pass along their traditions to new generations.
-Apprenticeships that match master artists with mature students eager to learn traditional skills.
-Collecting and archiving oral histories, photographs, and video and audio files on Texas tradition bearers, preserved for use in research, media and exhibition projects
-Exhibits at our public gallery in Austin and partnering galleries throughout the state, including the NEA-funded “Yard Show” exhibit, “Taquerias of Southmost” and “Fritos Pie”.