It is based on patterns, styles, and beliefs shared within specific cultural communities. Tradition bearers are motivated, through the act of creating, to preserve a traditional form that carries group identity and not necessarily to express an innovative personal vision. However, folklore also is a dynamic aspect of culture. In 1975, the Michigan State University Museum initiated research and presentation of Michigan traditional arts with a statewide survey resulting in the 1976 exhibition of historical folk art. Research Staff members of the Michigan Traditional Arts Program work closely with other individuals and organizations to document, preserve, and present folk traditions, such as narratives, music, song, dance, foodways, architecture, arts, and crafts of Michigan's regional, ethnic, occupational, and religious groups.
Studies result in special exhibitions, publications, festivals, and other public programs.
The MTAP staff provides a variety of technical consulting services on many topics. Staff members also coordinate the development and maintenance of a collection of traditional arts and the Michigan Traditional Arts Research Collection, which serves as a repository and resource file on Michigan folklife used for teaching, research, and the development of exhibitions and public programs. Traveling Exhibit Programs Operational support for the Michigan Traditional Arts Program at the Michigan State University Museum is provided, in part, by Michigan State University, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and MSU Extension. Support for special projects and programs is made possible by grants from other city, state, federal, university, corporate, foundation, and private sources.