Western Folklife Center

The Western Folklife center is dedicated to explore and give voice to traditional and dynamic cultures of the American west. Our mission is to use story and cultural expression to connect the American west to the world. The Western Folklife center provides a platform for rural and urban communities to communicate and exchange new ideas and avenues of expression. We produced the first cowboy poetry gathering in 1985. Our national cowboy poetry gathering continues to celebrate and promote the artistry and ingenuity of life in the American west. It remains our signature event, with programming changing to reflect contemporary realities and issues of the American west. Throughout the year, our fieldwork, research, exhibits, website, and archives preserve, document, and share the heritage of the west. Our media and educational programs entertain and engage, deepening the understanding of the vitality and challenges of Western communities.