The World Folk Music Association

The World Folk Music Association is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the preservation and support of folk music and related arts around the world.

What is the World Folk Music Association?

The World Folk Music Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and service organization founded in 1967 to preserve and support the traditional arts. We are dedicated to the idea that folk music, dance, and related forms of cultural expression are a vital part of the human experience.

The World Folk Music Association is committed to presenting folk music and dance events which embody respect for cultural diversity and which contribute to the furtherance of international understanding and goodwill. We present concerts, dances, workshops, publications, radio programs, festivals, an annual conference, and other activities which support these goals.

The History of the World Folk Music Association

The World Folk Music Association (WFMA) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional and contemporary folk music, dance, and related arts of all cultures.

The WFMA was founded in 1957 by a group of music enthusiasts in New York City. The organization held its first festival in 1958, which featured performers from around the world. Since then, the WFMA has held festivals every year, usually in the summer. The festival is now held in the town of Yorklyn, Delaware.

The WFMA also sponsors educational programs and workshops on folk music and dance. In addition, the organization offers grants and scholarships to support folk musicians and dancers.

The World Folk Music Association Today

The World Folk Music Association was founded in 1963 in Chicago, Illinois, by a group of music lovers who wanted to share their love of folk music with the world. Today, the organization is based in New York City and is devoted to promoting and preserving folk music and dance around the globe.

The World Folk Music Association hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and educational programs. The organization also provides resources for folk musicians and dancers, such as a directory of folk venues and a library of folk music recordings.

The Future of the World Folk Music Association

The World Folk Music Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to celebrate and promote global folk music and cultural traditions. WFMA supports artists and presenters of traditional music and dance from around the world through educational programming, professional development, and membership services.

WFMA is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Board meets three times a year to discuss strategic initiatives and set policies for the organization. Board members serve three-year terms and may be re-elected for two additional terms.

In addition to the Board of Directors, WFMA has an Executive Director, a Programming Director, a Membership Director, an Education Director, and a Communications Director. Staff members are based in New York City and Washington, D.C., with some travel required for professional development and membership services.

The World Folk Music Association is funded by member dues, donations, grants, and program fees. WFMA welcomes financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations that share our commitment to global folk music traditions.