Company Profile
Company Overview
New York Folklore (NYF) is a statewide folk arts and cultural services organization that was founded (1944) on principles of cultural equity. NYF has as its mission to provide support for the folk arts field in New York State and to serve folk and traditional artists, community-based cultural organizations, and the network of folk arts professionals that form a robust “field” in New York State. Its core programs are mentoring and professional development activities for artists and folk arts professionals and the publishing of the peer-reviewed journal, Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore. New York Folklore maintains an office and gallery space in Schenectady, and is an active participant in Schenectady’s Arts and Entertainment District.
Since 1991, New York Folklore has provided technical assistance to folk arts professionals. These opportunities include the annual New York State Folk Arts Roundtable, Critical Folklife Forums, and its signature Mentoring and Professional Development Program in Folk and Traditional Arts. New York Folklore has an ongoing partnership with Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts Education.
The organization has been headquartered in Schenectady, in New York’s Capital District, since 1999, where it maintains a presence in Schenectady’s downtown Arts District and manages a Gallery presenting folk artists and folk arts documentation. Folk Arts staff at New York Folklore share a strong and supportive folk arts network with more than forty-five folk arts colleagues from throughout New York State. The region is diverse and alive with arts and cultural activities, easy access to both the Adirondack and Catskill regions, and many cultural and educational institutions.
Company History
Founded in 1944, New York Folklore has been a leader in the folk arts field in New York State. Begun as a scholarly society under the leadership of Harold Thompson and Louis Jones, the organization was predicated on ideals of cultural equity and the accessibility of folklore scholarship. New York Folklore hired its first paid staff person in 1990. Since that time, it has supported public sector and academic scholarship in New York State.
Currently (in 2021) the organization has two full-time and eight part time or temporary staff persons to manage its many projects and initiatives.
Benefits
New York Folklore also provides a flexible spending account for childcare and health costs.