Folklife

The Folklife Program supports the work of folk artists and organizations representing Nevada’s cultural communities. We help support, preserve, and share Nevada's culture and heritage through artist services, grant funding, exhibitions, and technical assistance. We also curate exhibitions and develop programs based on fieldwork and community documentation. The work highlights Nevada folk arts, artists, and cultural communities.

A large flock of sheep, some marked with paint, stand and move across a dry field under a cloudy sky. In the background, a person on horseback is seen with mountains in the distance.

A nighttime street scene in Las Vegas shows bright neon signs, including a large cowgirl sitting and a cowboy standing, surrounded by illuminated buildings and blurred car lights.

A dancer in traditional Aztec attire with a large feathered headdress performs outdoors, surrounded by people seated on the grass and tents in the background.

Photographic

Find your folklife

Over three years, the Folklife Program photographed Nevadans—your friends and neighbors—as they appear when representing cultural identity and as they appear in their everyday lives. View the exhibit

Rural Moments

Folk Arts Coordinator Blanton Owen and Folklorists Andrea Graham, Mike Luster, and Debbie Nolan documented people, places, and traditions across rural Nevada between 1985 and 1989. View the exhibit

The Nevada Folklife Archives

Since 1985, the Nevada Arts Council’s Folklife Program has documented the existence and development of Nevada’s diverse geographical and cultural communities and its resident folk artists. View the Nevada Folklife Archives

Audio

America250—Our Nevada Stories

In partnership with the Nevada Division of Museums and History and America250 Nevada, the Nevada Arts Council is capturing the stories of Nevadans far and wide who have shaped our state. These stories will be featured in a podcast series launching in 2026. Learn about the Our Nevada Stories project

Home Means Nevada, 1986: Folklife in the Silver State

This 13-part radio series presents vignettes of Nevada’s multifaceted folk culture. The shows were produced from recordings made on location—in folk artists’ homes, places of work, and at public gatherings. Listen to Home Means Nevada stories