Susquehanna Folk helps artists find funding and resources to support traditional arts in our area. To date, our focus has been the Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships program offered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). However, beginning July 2026, funding for PCA Apprenticeships has been discontinued statewide.

State and national funding has been slashed for countless programs that supported a vibrant, healthy and diverse American culture. However, we have faith in our country's resilience, innovative spirit, and the proven notion that the arts inspire progress.

Please get in touch if you have ideas for supporting local traditional arts!

Arts-focused businesses and entrepreneurs may soon have some new opportunities. Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, is organizing new works to "empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries." That could schools for traditional music/dance/arts, studios for textile artists, venues focused on acoustic folk... your business idea here.

Please get in touch if you are a creative entrepreneur looking for support and connections!

UPDATE on APPRENTICESHIP GRANTS

October 2025: Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, has provided the following update:

As of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), funding available through the Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships program will discontinue statewide. This information is being shared now to help with planning and budgetary activities going forward.

Background

Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ governing Council recently adopted a new strategic plan, alongside an updated agency mission to empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce. The agency vision is that Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

To maximize progress on its mission and ensure its work aligns with this, Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Council adopted five key areas around which to focus its resources: asset development, workforce development, community development, visibility, and policy.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, Pennsylvania Creative Industries will be publishing new and expanded opportunities for the Commonwealth’s creative sector. You can sign up for news here and access new program guidelines on Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ website.

SFMS helped several local artists apply for Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, while that program was still in existence.

Pictured here, in the top row, are gospel band leader Rev Moses Jackson who has trained his bandmate and son Anthony Jackson in leadership skills, and Nepali immigrant Bhagirath Khatiwada who is learning to play the harmonium with master Muskan Balampaki Magar.

In the center and bottom rows are Mary-Grace Lee (left) who has improved her Irish traditional music skills on hammered dulcimer with master Lexie Boatright; multi-media artist Aron Rook (center) who learned how to carve characters in wood from master Jim Hiser; and Irish harp and concertina player Mary-Kate Lee (right) who has studied with master Graínne Hambly.