Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art

Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art (FOFA) supports the preservation and promotion of the folk art traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. These traditions are endangered by economic challenges in the region that significantly impact the folk art community. FOFA’s projects are designed to provide: Public exposure (both in Mexico and the US) to raise awareness, appreciation and marketability of these art forms; Encouragement to young Mexican folk artists to pursue and refine their crafts—in view of their uncertainty about folk art as a viable livelihood and their attraction to modernization that promotes migration—in order to preserve folk art traditions for generations to come; and Assistance to “artesano” communities to enhance market opportunities. FOFA does not provide direct financial support to any individual or family, but works through existing organizations (such as the State Museum of Popular Art of Oaxaca) to identify and develop our projects.