Threads of Tradition: Artisan Application

Texas Folklife Presents

Call for Artists
Threads of Tradition

2nd Annual Festival · March 28, 2026 · Edinburg, Texas
Application Deadline: Extended to March 13, 2026

Texas Folklife invites women artisans from the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas to be part of the 2nd Annual Threads of Tradition Festival — a vibrant, one-day celebration of creativity, culture, and community held alongside The Big Squeeze Youth Accordion Competition in Edinburg, Texas.

This daytime event is dedicated to uplifting women artists whose work reflects heritage, lived experience, and the deep cultural roots of our communities. We welcome artisans in any medium — textile, visual art, craft, mixed media, and more — whose practice carries a story worth sharing.

Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or showing your work publicly for the first time, we want to hear from you. Join us for a day of youth music, art, and cultural exchange in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley.
What Selected Artists Receive

Artists chosen to participate will:
- Receive an artist stipend
- Sell their goods on-site
- Host a showcase table or installation
- Lead an interactive art component
Interactive elements are required. Past examples have included magnet-making stations, DIY poetry, abstract self-portraits, and other hands-on activities that invite public participation. Have questions or need ideas for your interactive component? Reach out to us at mfreire@texasfolklife.org.
Please Note
- Travel and hotel expenses are not covered by Texas Folklife.
- Artists must be available for daytime programming on March 28, 2026.
How to Apply

Complete the online application form linked below before the extended deadline of March 13, 2026.
Prefer to apply by email or in Spanish?

No problem — we want this process to be accessible to everyone. Simply email the following information to mfreire@texasfolklife.org:

Your full name

Email address

Phone number

A brief description of your art or craft

A photo of your work

Applications submitted in Spanish are warmly welcome.
Questions? Contact us at mfreire@texasfolklife.org
We look forward to celebrating your work in Edinburg this March.
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Threads of Tradition: Artisan Application
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Please describe your craft and what you plan to showcase:
How long have you been practicing this craft?
What cultural or regional traditions influence your work?
Why are you interested in participating in Threads of Tradition?
Do you require any special accommodations for your setup?
Please provide a link to your website, social media, or portfolio (if available):
Your proposed interactive element (what visitors will do or learn):
YesNo
Work Samples

Please upload up to three work samples. You may also email them to mfreire@texasfolklife.org with the subject line: Threads of Tradition – First Name, Last Name.
Work Samples

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Work Samples

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Work Samples

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Should be Empty:

What Selected Artists Receive

Please Note

How to Apply

Prefer to apply by email or in Spanish?

Threads of Tradition: Artisan Application

Work Samples