Selected photos of folk and traditional arts and artists in our state

The folk arts are defined as those artistic practices which are community or family based and express that community’s aesthetic heritage and tradition. The learning process is informal and is passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth, apprenticeship and imitation.

Folk Arts Apprenticeships are designed to foster the sharing of traditional (folk) artistic skills between a master and an apprentice who is already familiar with the genre. The program creates this opportunity specifically for individuals who share a common cultural heritage.

Folk Arts Fellowships provide support to individual artists who demonstrate the highest level of skill and accomplishments in their craft.

FY 21 Folk Arts Apprenticeship Grantees

Folk ArtistAmount
Lydia Perez$3,000.00
Nader Molina Figueroa$3,000.00
Debbie Spears Moorehead$3,000.00
Julie Yang$3,000.00
Carolyn Castro$3,000.00
Lesly Pineyro $3,000.00
Patricia Smith$3,000.00

FY21 Folk Arts Fellowship Grantees

Folk ArtistAmount
Assitan Coulibaly$1,000.00
Joel Rosario$5,000.00

For more information on Folk Arts Fellowships and Apprenticeships, contact Elena Calderón Patino.

Qualifications Requested for New Public Art

Deadline extended to Jan. 18

RISCA is Requesting Qualifications for a new public art commission for the Rhode Island National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in East Greenwich.

All Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts artists are encouraged to apply to this free call. The deadline is now Monday, Jan. 18, at 11:59 p.m. Read more here .

If you have questions regarding the qualifications request, contact Molly Dickinson at molly.dickinson.ctr@arts.ri.gov.

Sankofa Community Connection officially opens new location

During an outdoor ceremony with guests socially distanced, Sankofa Community Connection cut the ribbon on its new headquarters at 2 Broadway in Newport. The four-year-old organization is a member of the Rhode Island Expansion Arts current cohort.

Sankofa’s mission is to increase pride of place within the African American Community of Newport County through social gatherings, community discussions on institutional racism and race, and historical education to “reveal, honor and celebrate the cultural heritage of African Americans of early Newport.” When it’s safe to convene, Sankofa plans to hold an open house. Click here to read more.