Tenerife Launches €250,000 Fund to Preserve Local Folk Arts and Crafts

The Tenerife Island Council has announced a new 250,000-euro fund to support local folk arts. Managed by the Department of Employment, Education, and Youth, the initiative aims to help folklore groups thrive by focusing on two key areas: attracting younger members and ensuring the financial survival of the local craft workshops that create traditional clothing and musical instruments.

Councilor Efraín Medina and Technical Employment Service head Noel González introduced the program, noting that it is vital to protect cultural heritage that often relies on the hard work of volunteer groups. The goal is to help these groups professionalize their operations, turning their need for new costumes and instruments into a steady source of income for local artisans.

To qualify for the funding, groups must have at least 15 members and show that their main mission is preserving Canarian cultural roots. The grant will cover up to 80% of eligible costs, with a minimum investment of 2,000 euros and a maximum grant of 10,000 euros per group. This co-financing model requires organizations to contribute their own funds, ensuring they are fully committed to the project.

Applications will be processed through the Island Council’s online portal. Once the official call is published in the Official Gazette of the Province, groups will have 30 days to apply. The Council hopes this support will remove the financial burden of maintaining specialized equipment and traditional attire, which often makes it difficult for these cultural groups to continue their work.