The Folk Union is an independent micro press publishing books, essays, prints and objects exploring folk culture and the contemporary folk scene.

Founded in 2026, The Folk Union grew out of several years spent working within what has been described as a new folk revival. It’s characterised by a renewed interest in folk customs, music and material culture, but we’re also interested in the wider conversations happening in contemporary folk culture.

Through publications, original artwork, events and collaborations, The Folk Union aims to document, celebrate and occasionally question the culture that is emerging around us. We are interested in folk not as a fixed tradition, but as something continually made and remade.

Despite the name, we're not a trade union. Rather, we're a union of people with a shared interest in folk culture and the ideas that should underpin its revival.

Read The Folk Union Values

Mike Hankin is an artist, illustrator, writer and founder of The Folk Union.

His work explores folk culture, place, landscape and the commons. Through books, essays, exhibitions and original artwork, he documents the changing relationship between people, culture and the places they inhabit. He is also the founder of The OffBeat Folk Film Club.

See more of Mike’s work

The best way to get in touch with The Folk Union is via email. You can reach us at:

hello@thefolkunion.com