Southwest Folklife Alliance

The Southwest Folklife Alliance builds more equitable and vibrant communities by celebrating the everyday expressions of culture, heritage, and diversity rooted in the Greater Southwest and U.S. Mexico Border Corridor. Nationally, we amplify models and methods of meaningful cultural work that center traditional knowledge, social equity, and collaboration.

All #AZGivesDay donations in 2025 will support our general programming that uplifts cultural heritage in the southwest. ALL Donations up to $2500 will be MATCHED!

Southwest Folklife Alliance Programs in 2025:

Tucson Meet Yourself: This free, three-day annual celebration of the living traditional arts of Southern Arizona’s and Northern Mexico’s diverse ethnic and folk communities features hundreds of artisans, home cooks, dancers, musicians, and special exhibits celebrating beauty & culture in all its everyday forms. Every October in Downtown Tucson.

BorderLore: BorderLore is a free online journal documenting, sharing, and elevating folklife in the US-Mexico borderlands region. We publish six times a year to uplift folklife practices often “hidden in plain view” and to connect people across culture, tradition, and geography. 

La Doce: In collaboration with grassroots organizers from Regeneración, SFA is launching a Center for Cultural Organizing in “La Doce,” the corridor of Tucson's South 12th Avenue from 44th Street to Drexel Road and adjacent neighborhoods. A hub and co-workspace for neighborhood residents, an event center to host community gatherings, and a pop-up space for heritage-based artists to showcase, the Center will be managed by La Doce Community Land Trust (CLT) to be developed and run by local community leaders.

Loom Market: This e-commerce site is managed by artists whose work draws from their culture, traditions, and history, and who directly earn proceeds from sales. It also creates networking and resource-sharing opportunities for artists

Master Artist-Apprentice Award: The award supports a master artist or tradition bearer who has identified a qualified apprentice (or group of apprentices) to engage in a teaching-learning relationship that includes one-on-one mentorship and hands-on experience.

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The Southwest Folklife Alliance is an affiliate non-profit organization of the University of Arizona, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. We are the designated Folk Arts Partner of the Arizona Commission on the Arts with the support of the National Endowment of the Arts.

We produce festivals and public programs that increase understanding and respect for folklife practices; provide direct support to heritage-based artists in the region; document folklife and amplify the voices of artists and cultural workers engaged in folklife practices

Testimonials

“I believe that the most important aspect of being Yaqui is to possess a deep knowledge and understanding of our traditions. Our cultural syncretism, which beautifully blends ancient folklore with Mexican Catholic themes, is a cornerstone of our identity. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge and helping others understand the origins and significance of our traditional ceremonies.”  – Adriana Felix, Loom Market Artist

As a Bulgarian folk dance artist, I am passionate about preserving the rhythms, movements, and stories passed down through generations. Our traditional dances and music carry the spirit of our ancestors, connecting us to our roots and celebrating our vibrant cultural identity. Honoring and protecting this heritage keeps our history alive and inspires future generations to embrace their cultural legacy. – Tanya Dimitrov, Master Artist Awardee, 2025

“African American culture is complex, diverse, and rich in history. The stories of the past and our ancestors' sacrifices are worth preserving”. – Charlotte Ham, Loom Market Artist

“As a Fluent speaker of the Hopi language, I believe language is most important to protect! Our ceremonial calendar and everyday life involves the Hopi language.” - Gerald Lomatewama, Loom Market Artist

“The Nadglééh (Two-Spirit) have always faced hard times in society, but we protect and preserve many of our peoples traditions. We Nadglééh will always be here, helping, teaching, raising the young, creating, dancing, and loving all aspects of life. Sí Dahszíné dawááh ní shíł'onzóó I, Dahszíné, love you all." – Mylyle Ethelbah "Dahszíne," White Mountain Apache, Master Artist Awardee, 2025