TFAM creates opportunities for individuals and communities to celebrate, share, and sustain the vitality of ethnic and traditional arts for present and future generations in the Hampton Roads Area. Five values underlie our mission: 1. TFAM believes participation in the arts is as important as observation. 2. TFAM encourages people to share their cultural arts which promotes understanding as well as a deeper understanding of self. 3. TFAM believes traditional art forms live, breathe, and change in people and that each person is a bearer of folk arts no matter their background. The preservation of heritage is vital and also must allow for continued growth and development. 4. We rely on communities to inspire and create programs as the best judge of what is important, useful or traditional in their cultures. 5. We believe humans are revitalized by the arts, mentally and spiritually. Shared cultured dissolves misunderstandings, breaks down stereotypes and increases respect and tolerance. Folk arts are universal and accessible.