AFS Continues Important Work Facilitating Folk Arts Partnership Professional Development Institute

In 2022, the American Folklore Society developed and managed the inaugural Folk Arts Partnership Professional Development Institute in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies to support folk and traditional arts program managers at state arts agencies, regional arts organizations, and their partners. AFS provided training and mentorship to meet acute professional development needs for emerging Folk Arts Partnership programs and newly appointed program managers. The goals of the inaugural PDI were to provide professional development, technical assistance, and planning consultation. The long-term goal is to implement leadership development opportunities for all Folk Arts Partnership programs and to continue building relationships across sectors in order to increase program development knowledge and partnership opportunities for the field as a whole.

Throughout 2023, AFS will move into the second phase of Professional Development Institute work by continuing to support professional development needs of folk and traditional arts program managers and building upon the 2022 mentorship program to bridge expertise and networks.