We envision strong communities united by arts and culture.

Our Vision

Strengthening our communities through arts & culture

Our Mission

Northwest Folklife creates opportunities for all to celebrate, share, and participate in the evolving cultural traditions of the Pacific Northwest.

Core Values

Northwest Folklife believes the arts revitalize people and communities and is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and its continued growth and development.
Northwest Folklife understands that everyone is a bearer of folk arts and that it is as important to participate in the arts as it is to observe them.
Northwest Folklife encourages communities to share their cultural arts, believing that interaction with new audiences enriches the community as much as the audience. When people share aspects of their culture, opportunities are created to dissolve misunderstandings, break down stereotypes and increase respect for one another.
Northwest Folklife relies on the diverse communities of the Pacific Northwest to inspire programs and collaborates with these communities to develop public presentations of their culture.

What We Do

Northwest Folklife programs are committed to access for all, removing all financial barriers to create the most inclusive, wide-reaching experiences for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds in the region. Our accessible programs are made possible by your contributions.

Northwest Folklife creates inclusive, wide-reaching experiences for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. All are welcome to our community powered programs thanks to your generous contributions.

Programs

Northwest Folklife strives to strengthen our communities through uplifting the arts and culture of the Pacific Northwest region 365 days a year. Our year-round programs include our Community Coordinators program, the Northwest Folklife Festival, Annual Cultural Focus, Youth Engagement through Arts and Heritage (Y.E.A.H) program, and the Our Big Neighborhood youth and family program.

Northwest Folklife

Strengthening our Communities through Arts & Culture

2025 Folklife Festival

Keep NW Folklife Community Powered!

2024 Folklife Festival