GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE TEXAS FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL

Mission Statement—The Texas Folklife Festival is an annual celebration of the ethnic strength, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic pioneering spirit of Texas.

The goal of the Texas Folklife Festival is to present authentic, traditional customs, crafts, and other cultural elements that reflect the spirit and heritage of the people of Texas, past and present. Participation is limited to Texans.

Who can apply?

·Bona fide ethnic organizations whose principal aim is to promote the culture and heritage of their ethnic group

·Individuals and/or groups who are a) active bearers of traditional folklife in Texas,
or b) any accomplished interpreters of folk traditions

·Staff and/or volunteers and others involved in providing essential services necessary to the Festival

Participants fall into the following categories:

·     Food vendors—Food vendors are charged a percentage of gross sales.

·        No commercial operations are allowed
·        No commercial trailers
·        No personal profits may be derived from the Festival
·        No rental space is available

·        Craft demonstrators—We do not pay demonstrators; however, if they reside 50 miles or more from San Antonio, we provide limited housing and meals.

Traditional crafts reflecting the pioneer heritage of our state, such as lye-soap making, candlemaking, tinsmithing, or other traditional demonstration activities.

·        Craft vendors—Texas resident craftsmen who produce and sell their own works. Works must be high quality, uniquely Texan products ONLY. There is a booth space fee for this category.

Imported items may be considered if they are authentic and made in the country of origin reflecting the culture of that country.

·        Entertainers, including storytellers and emcees—We do not pay entertainers; however, if they reside 50 miles or more from San Antonio, we provide limited housing and meals.

If you fall into one of the categories, please send a written request to the Texas Folklife Festival. Include what you wish to do and why you want to be included in the Festival. Include a brief history about yourself or your group. If you represent an organization, include by-laws, charter or constitution, and a current financial statement. Include the size of your group or organization. Dance groups must include a video featuring a variety of dances; bands/vocalists/musicians/storytellers must submit a cassette or CD with a variety of their work and a photograph.

Your request will be placed on file. Requests are reviewed annually and from those requests, invitations to apply for participation are extended. An invitation to apply is based on budget, space availability, scheduling, and operational needs. Once an application is submitted, the criteria used to choose participants include budgetary restrictions, space availability, stage time availability, representation needs, and operational needs.

Not being invited to participate is not a reflection on a group's or individual's abilities or potential, but rather the Festival's needs. The Festival will continue to be organized and managed so that it will be financially self-supporting and provide some operating funds for other programs of the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Send promotional information by U.S. mail to:
Texas Folklife Festival, 801 S. Bowie St., San Antonio, TX 78205
For more information or if you have any questions, call (210) 458-2249 or
email jandera@utsa.edu.