Preserving & perpetuating folk and traditional arts of Central Appalachia

The Central Appalachian counties of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee are home to arts, tradition, and culture that is passed from generation to generation.

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In These Mountains: Project Grants

Grants of $10,000 for organizations to conduct projects that promote the sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, and documenting folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia.

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Emerging Traditional Artists Program

Providing a platform for traditional artists to connect with their peers, participate in professional development, and receive funds to pursue projects & learning opportunities.

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Mentor Artist and Apprentice Teams

Folk and traditional arts are passed across generations, and South Arts helps build these relationships by funding Mentor Artist and Apprentice teams through our partners.

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https://www.nabsinc.org/2023-black-appalachian-storytellers-fellowship-2023

Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships

In partnership with the National Association of Black Storytellers, these fellowships honor, celebrate, and support Black storytellers residing in the Appalachian counties.

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Folk Arts Education

Through targeted partnerships, we are expanding access to traditional arts for K-12 students.

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Documentation

Working with university students and community scholars, South Arts is documenting the folk and traditional arts of the region

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A Bit More About In These Mountains

Launched in 2018, South Arts' In These Mountains initiative preserves and perpetuates the traditional arts and culture of Central Appalachian counties of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Through a series of strategic projects supporting practitioners, arts organizations, and communities, In These Mountains supports the longevity and intergenerational transfer of the cultural traditions that have grown in this unique region. As we learn and grow, we continue to refine how we support the Central Appalachian communities with impactful programming.

Where have we worked?

In These Mountains - History Map
Map current as of June 2022

With programming focused on Appalachian Regional Commission designated counties, In These Mountains has supported work in more than 65 counties across Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Inactive Programs

In addition to the active programming above, South Arts previously offered additional opportunities through In These Mountains.

Questions?

For questions about any of the In These Mountains initiatives, contact program director Teresa Hollingsworth.

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