Some groups gather together over a common nationality, others around a common language, or belief system. What brings many groups together is a desire to connect to the customs and traditions that they, their parents, or grandparents brought with them to Staten Island. Helping groups to preserve and promote these cultural legacies is at the heart of Staten Island Folklife’s Cultural Sustainability Initiative.

Cultural sustainability is about applying a holistic method to cultural preservation. We do not want to simply place culture within a rigid frame but instead we aim to understand the ecosystem in which it exists and help communities to shape the future of their traditions. We meet with community groups to facilitate research on traditions, cultural documentation, event planning, fundraising, and generally help to connect groups to the resources they seek to ensure the continuity of their programming.

Learn more through our recent Notes from the Field. Click the cover to explore Carnaval Mixteco.