fellowships + grants for scandinavian folk arts

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) provides support for living Scandinavian folk arts and cultural traditions in the Upper Midwest (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan).

Broadly defined, folk arts are expressions of community identity and values. They are cultivated informally among individuals by word of mouth or example. Whether practicing a traditional craft, art, technical or occupational skill; performing music or dance; or marking important moments of life or the year with special foods or customs,folk arts are deeply rooted in community life. They foster human creativity and transmit cultural values that affirm community ties.

The American-Scandinavian Foundation is committed to celebrating and preserving Nordic (Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sápmi, Sweden) cultures throughout the United States. By supporting folk arts and traditional cultures in the Upper Midwest, in particular, ASF recognizes and celebrates the mastery of individual artists or practitioners, facilitates the cultivation of skills and understanding among younger generations, brings greater visibility to living Scandinavian arts and traditions, and highlights the centrality of cultural expression to all of our lives.

Grants for public programs and community projects will shore up and encourage the preservation of and/or innovation within living Scandinavian cultural traditions through the support of community festivals, celebrations, and heritage events as well as workshops, performances, classes, and demonstrations. Applicants for public programs grants must be nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations.