hellenic
Performing Arts
Foundation
A Cultural Institute
National Hellenic
Folk Arts Symposium
A NATIONAL CONVENING.
A PRESERVATION COMMITMENT.
A CULTURAL LEGACY.
The National Hellenic Folk Arts
Symposium (NHFAS) is HPAF’s
signature initiative dedicated to the
preservation, safeguarding, and future
of Hellenic intangible cultural
heritage.
Nov 13 - 15 2026
Washington, D.C.
© Sofia Camplioni & Christos Athanassiou | From the project series: "Οι Κουδουνοφόροι του Σοχού", January 26, 2019. PhotoShooting.
“Heritage is our legacy from the past,
what we live with today, and what we
pass on to future generations.”
— UNESCO
about the symposium
The NHFAS brings together scholars, practitioners, cultural leaders,
and community representatives from across the United States and
around the world to address the critical issues facing the preservation
and transmission of Hellenic intangible cultural traditions.
Through research, dialogue and collaborative leadership, the
Symposium establishes a national framework for cultural stewardship
and ensures the continuity of our living heritage for future
generations.
© Sofia Camplioni & Christos Athanassiou | From the project series: "Bell Roads", Thessaloniki, 21 February 2016
journey to the symposium
June 2026-
Applications
open
September-
2026
Speakers
Announced
November-
2026
National
Hellenic
folk arts
symposium
Who should attend?
Scholars and
researchers
CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
PROGRAM DIRECTORS & INSTRUCTORS
DIASPORA LEADERS
PRESERVATION PRACTITIONERS
A gathering for all who value, practice, study, and
safeguard Hellenic living heritage.
Why it matters
Across the Greek diaspora, irreplaceable traditions-
dance, music, song, and oral history-
are disappearing.
Many survive only in the memories of
aging tradition-bearers.
Some have never been recorded.
Others have never been taught beyond
a single village.
When they are gone, they are gone forever.
© Sofia Camplioni & Christos Athanassiou | From the project series: "BELL ROADS — 3rd European Bell-Bearing Festival 2016, Kali Vrisi (Drama)
Our Purpose.
safeguard
Address the urgent need to
safeguard Hellenic
intangible heritage.
establish
Establish best practices for
preservation, transmission,
and ethical stewardship.
research
Advance scholarship and
documentation of
traditions, customs, music,
and dance.
collaborate
Foster collaboration among
communities, institutions,
and practitioners.
INSPIRE
Inspire future generations
to value, learn, and carry
forward their cultural
heritage.
themes & tracks 2026
The symposium explores the most urgent and
relevant topics impacting the safeguarding of
Hellenic intangible cultural heritage
Who Owns Tradition?
Ethics, Authority, and the Future of Cultural Preservation
Nov 13 - 15 2026
Washington, D.C.
NHFAS
KEY areas of focus
Preservation of
Intangible
Heritage
Documentation
& Archival
Practices
Community
& Diaspora
Engagement
Education &
Teaching
Methodology
Cultural Policy &
Institutional
Collaboration
Ethical
Representation &
Authenticity
apply to participate
Join a national and international community committed to
safeguarding Hellenic living heritage.
Scholars and
researchers
cultural organizations
Program
directors &
instructors
Diaspora
Leaders
Preservation
Practitioners
panels & presentations
application categories
Panels & roundtables
key dates
applications open
deadline for submissions
Speakers announced
NHFAS registration closes
june 2026
august 2026
september 2026
november 1, 2026
how to apply
Submit your proposal, abstract, or
expression of interest through our
online application portal.