A culture’s identity is embodied in its folk music. Communities have invested their genius in this music for generations, across the centuries, and its vitality is our legacy and its perpetuation our responsibility. We are engaged in the transmission of culture.

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley. Participants of all ages come from all over the world and all walks of life, including individuals from all 50 states and more than 25 nations. We offer an intimate, supportive community experience for students of all abilities, featuring a staff of some of the finest performers and teachers in the world.

Please visit swangathering.com to register and for more information about the Swannanoa Gathering.

Endowing the Future

The Swannanoa Gathering community is working together now to ensure the future of this special community. From long time participants, to first time students, to instructors and volunteers, the whole merry band is contributing to form a brand new Swannanoa Gathering Legacy Endowment.

The Swannanoa Gathering Legacy Endowment will:

  • Provide general support to the operations of the Swannanoa Gathering
  • Enhance and sustain the future of instructional programs and participant experience
  • Recruit and feature exceptional, diverse talent as instructors
  • Develop educational resources to reach a broader audience and inspire future generations, including our youth programs
  • Sustain for future generations this significant American cultural arts music tradition

Join us in making a gift to the Legacy Endowment, so we can all see the Gathering continue and thrive for generations, inspiring great musicians and powerful music.

Make a Gift