Oral History Project

For nearly 40 years, Folk Alliance International has helped connect, support, and strengthen the global folk music community. Behind every conference hallway conversation, late-night showcase, mentorship, friendship, and song is a story worth preserving.

The Folk Alliance International Oral History Project is an effort to capture and preserve the voices, memories, and experiences of the people who have shaped this community across generations. Through filmed interviews and archival storytelling, this project will document the artists, presenters, volunteers, industry leaders, cultural workers, and community builders whose contributions have helped define folk music and its evolving ecosystem.

These stories are deeply personal, historically significant, and time-sensitive. Together, they tell the story of a living tradition and a contemporary movement that continues to inspire connection, creativity, and cultural exchange around the world.

Watch the Project Introduction

Together, these voices help tell the story of Folk Alliance International and its impact on the folk music community, in the words of the people who were there along the way.

Why This Matters

Folk music has always been rooted in community, storytelling, and shared experience. Yet many of the stories behind this movement have never been formally documented.

This project will:

Preserve the history of Folk Alliance International and the broader folk music community
Capture stories from artists, presenters, organizers, and cultural workers across generations
Create an accessible archive for future musicians, researchers, and community members
Celebrate the diversity, resilience, and evolution of folk music
Ensure that the voices of today remain available to inspire tomorrow

Support the Oral History Project

Preserving these stories requires thoughtful interviewing, filming, editing, archiving, and long-term stewardship. Your support helps make this work possible.

A donation to the Oral History Project directly supports:

Recording and production costs
Interview travel and accessibility needs
Archival preservation and digital storage
Story collection from diverse voices across the folk community
Educational and public access opportunities

Make a Donation

DONATE HERE

We cannot tell this story without you.

Interested in Participating? We welcome support, story ideas, archival materials, and community connections as this project develops.Please contact us at [Contact Email Here] to learn more about participating or supporting the project.

‍‍Folk Alliance International advances folk music and its communities by engaging, educating, and strengthening the global folk music ecosystem.