The Future of The Folk Festival
On Friday evening, the National Endowment for the Arts informed us that they are withdrawing their $20,000 grant in support of this summer’s Lowell Folk Festival.
While federal support is never guaranteed, this unexpected loss is a serious wake-up call, and a reminder of how fragile arts funding can be.
The NEA has been a valued partner for many years, and this change, while not unique to us, comes just as the cost of producing the festival continues to rise sharply. We remain committed to presenting the 38th annual Lowell Folk Festival as planned, free and open to all, and filled with the music, traditions, and community spirit that brings so many people together year after year.
But we can’t do it without you.
Each year, it costs $1.5 million to produce the festival, covering real expenses like artist fees, staging, sound, sanitation, security, and so much more. 75% of that total comes from grants, sponsorships, and donations from individuals like you. So, if you value the music, the dancing, and the gathering place that the festival creates each summer, here’s how you can help.
Lend your support! Donate, become a business sponsor, or simply spread the word. If every one of our 150,000 attendees gave just $10 a year, we’d cover all our bills and ensure the festival’s future for years to come. That’s the power of community.
Every gift counts, especially yours. Help us keep the music going.
Donate today!
Thank you for standing with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to downtown Lowell this July to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the communities we serve.
With Gratitude,
Arthur Sutcliffe
Board Chairman
