FAI 2027: Chicago, Illinois, United States
January 27-31, 2027
About Folk Alliance International
Who are we?
Folk Alliance International advances folk music and its communities by engaging, educating, and strengthening the global folk music ecosystem.
FAI is an international arts nonprofit and NEA-designated National Arts Service Organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Founded in 1989, we’re a community of passionate and driven artists, managers, agents, DJs, festivals, record labels, fans, and more.
<div class="callout-og">The next Folk Alliance International Conference is January 27 - 31, 2027 in Chicago, IL.</div>
Folk is more than just a genre of music. We’re committed to the ethos of folk by creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all, no matter what it takes. We understand the value of folk music and where it fits in with the broader arts community and have dedicated our lives and careers to pushing the genre forward and breaking boundaries.
We’ve built our community over the years to now include an expanded global network of more than 3,000 cultural sector entrepreneurs and leaders.
Through our responsive programming built on the foundation of community building, and dedicated resources intended to support those who create this art form we love, we hope to continue sharing the music of the people for years to come.
FAI is a proud member of the Alliance of Performing Arts Conferences (APAC) and the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA).
What is folk music?
Folk is the music of the people, reflective of any community they are from. It’s the banjo traditions that originated in Africa, it’s mariachi ensembles, and it’s electronic-infused fiddle tunes. We don’t limit folk to any one genre or group of instruments.
At its core, folk music is how people have shared their stories through time that have survived long enough to be sung generations later.
FAI programs a diverse array of sub-genres including, but not limited to Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions.
Mission
Folk Alliance International advances folk music and its communities by engaging, educating, and strengthening the global folk music ecosystem.
Vision
Folk Alliance International envisions folk music as both a living tradition and a contemporary force, supporting artists, presenters, and cultural workers across traditions, geographies, and every stage of artistic and professional development. Through education, advocacy, and performance, Folk Alliance International fosters meaningful connections, supports sustainable creative livelihoods, and produces convenings and programs that elevate the artistic, cultural, and economic impact of folk music worldwide. We strive to be a trusted leader and partner within the music industry, supporting thoughtful growth while honoring the histories and communities that ground our work.
Values
Community
Folk Alliance International is rooted in community. Folk music is, by nature, participatory and relational, passed from person to person, place to place, generation to generation. We value connection, collaboration, and mutual respect, and we believe strong communities are built through listening, shared experience, and sustained relationships.
Artistic Tradition and Evolution
We honor the deep roots that shape folk music while embracing contemporary voices and new forms of expression. We serve artists and cultural workers across genres, geographies, and career ambitions, recognizing that folk music is both a living tradition and a constantly evolving art form.
Education and Knowledge Sharing
We believe in learning as a lifelong and collective practice. Through conferences, programs, and resources, we support the exchange of skills, ideas, and cultural knowledge that strengthen artistic practice, professional development, and community leadership.
Advocacy
We advocate for artists, presenters, and cultural workers across traditions, geographies, and career stages by addressing the structural, economic, and policy issues that impact their ability to create and sustain work. This includes working in collaboration with other organizations that share our values and the priorities of our members.
Stewardship
We are committed to stewarding the field responsibly, ensuring that folk music remains visible, valued, and viable within the broader music industry. We make careful budgetary decisions and actively raise funds through new and established means to ensure the long-term viability of Folk Alliance International as an organization.
Access and Belonging
We work to reduce barriers to participation without borders and to create environments where people feel welcomed, respected, and able to engage fully. Folk Alliance International recognizes that equity and access strengthen our community and our work, and we approach this responsibility with intention, humility, and care.
Integrity and Accountability
We strive to operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability in our programs, partnerships, and decision-making. We value trust—earned through consistent action, clear communication, and responsiveness to the communities we serve.
Folk Alliance International is rooted in community. Folk music is, by nature, participatory and relational, passed from person to person, place to place, generation to generation. We value connection, collaboration, and mutual respect, and we believe strong communities are built through listening, shared experience, and sustained relationships.
Artistic Tradition and Evolution
We honor the deep roots that shape folk music while embracing contemporary voices and new forms of expression. We serve artists and cultural workers across genres, geographies, and career ambitions, recognizing that folk music is both a living tradition and a constantly evolving art form.
Education and Knowledge Sharing
We believe in learning as a lifelong and collective practice. Through conferences, programs, and resources, we support the exchange of skills, ideas, and cultural knowledge that strengthen artistic practice, professional development, and community leadership.
Advocacy
We advocate for artists, presenters, and cultural workers across traditions, geographies, and career stages by addressing the structural, economic, and policy issues that impact their ability to create and sustain work. This includes working in collaboration with other organizations that share our values and the priorities of our members.
Stewardship
We are committed to stewarding the field responsibly, ensuring that folk music remains visible, valued, and viable within the broader music industry. We make careful budgetary decisions and actively raise funds through new and established means to ensure the long-term viability of Folk Alliance International as an organization.
Access and Belonging
We work to reduce barriers to participation without borders and to create environments where people feel welcomed, respected, and able to engage fully. Folk Alliance International recognizes that equity and access strengthen our community and our work, and we approach this responsibility with intention, humility, and care.
Integrity and Accountability
We strive to operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability in our programs, partnerships, and decision-making. We value trust—earned through consistent action, clear communication, and responsiveness to the communities we serve.
Harassment and Discrimination
As emphatically as we welcome people of all national, geographic, cultural, ethnic, social, economic, gender, sexuality, orientation, mobility, and other forms of diversity to our events and organization, we also wish to express our rejection of discrimination and harassment.
As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): “Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA).” In accordance with US law, our board recently adopted refined language regarding harassment in our employee handbook. For reference, please see the way FAI defines and informs our staff of this important issue. We encourage our membership to adopt similar policies in their places of work and to adhere to this standard at their events.
Please see our Safe Community Pledge for more information about what to do in the event of harassment or discrimination at any music event, conference, venue, or festival.
We are constantly seeking new ways to welcome and support creators, helpers, and lovers of folk music worldwide. If you have any questions or comments about these belief statements or anything related to Folk Alliance International, please contact fai@folk.org.
