Folk Exchange
Folk art reimagined for the 21st century – through stories, creativity and community
Folk Exchange is a live, multi-year project at Compton Verney, reimagining our nationally important Folk Art collection for today’s world.
With artists, young people, researchers and community partners, we’re uncovering new stories, challenging old labels, and shaping a more inclusive approach to folk creativity.
Sounds great, tell me more
Led by our Folk Art Curator Ila Colley and launched in 2024, the project explores connections between folk traditions, climate and ecology, protest, popular culture, spirituality and everyday life in global Britain.
The story of Folk Art is everyone’s story.
The aim of Folk Exchange is to explore what Folk Art means and looks like today.
Visit our blog to keep up to date as the project develops
Meet the
Steering Group
Folk Exchange is guided by a group of artists, curators and cultural leaders with expertise in British folk culture, community heritage, protest, queerness and working class art.
They help shape our thinking around acquisitions, interpretation and public engagement, ensuring the project reflects a wide range of voices and experiences.
working with
young people and communities
Through our three-year Folk Ecologies partnership with Kineton High School, students are exploring folk art alongside climate science, satire and storytelling.
We’re building relationships with organisations like the Sydni Centre, Saathi House, Chedham’s Yard and Mothers Who Make to explore shared traditions, family stories and creative practices.
stories from Folk exchange
There are two new artworks in the Folk Art Gallery, on loan until March 2026.
Click the links to see the pieces and read more about them.
- A shop sign: We Are Here Because You Were There (2022-24), Faisal Hussein
- A tarot table and card deck: Tarot: Your Future in Foolish Memes (2020), Plastique Fantastique
We also have a trail of Folk Exchange labels throughout the gallery to prompt discussions of these artworks and their relevance.
A day of celebrating folk
Your voice matters
Do you have a memory, tradition, celebration or skill that connects to folk creativity?
Use this form to share your voice. Your contribution could help shape how folk art is presented at Compton Verney in the future.
Please note this is not an object submission form.
Folk Exchange is supported by
