SAF identifies, promotes and presents indigenous southern arts and culture, in addition to the traditional arts of immigrant communities who make the South their home, to regional, national and international audiences. Since its inception in 1989, the SAF Traditional Arts Program has helped to identify and support a strong network of traditional arts professionals who are working in communities throughout SAF's nine partner states.  The program has successfully produced concert tours, professional development training for artists and presenters, publications, community meetings, a traveling exhibits program and an annual peer meeting for folklorists.

The South is home to numerous traditional art forms whether they are indigenous to the region or reflect the traditions of recent immigrant communities. Traditional art is typically reflective of a shared aesthetic from a folk group such as a family, geographic community, ethnic group, etc. Traditional art is learned orally or by imitation, often as a master artist instructing an apprentice. It is usually maintained without formal instruction or schooling. Some traditional arts have a long history, while others are constantly evolving and emerging.