Folk artists create living cultural artifacts in the form of quilts, wood carvings, hand-tooled saddles, musical instruments and architectural embellishments. Artists and communities practice folk traditions, in dance, music and religious rituals. These expressions of folk art and folklife are integral to daily life. Passed across generations and among family and friends, they form the cultural fabric of communities. In this way, the folk arts connect Texans with one another, creating a shared identity within a state composed of different regional and ethnic communities.
Folk arts showcase the creative power of tradition in contemporary life.
At the core of Texas Folklife Resources' mission is a wide range of public programs that highlight the state's vibrant multicultural heritage. These activities give Texans the opportunity to learn about the state's diverse cultural traditions and value them as part of present-day life. Whether through concert hall performances, arts exhibitions, radio series and workshops, the goal of all TFR programs is to explore the living and dynamic role of tradition in contemporary society. Folklore in Education Texas Folklife Resources believes all its programs should have an educational component. Many events include lectures and workshops.