The National Institute of Rural Culture and Heritage (NIKiDW) documents and disseminates knowledge about the traditional culture of rural residents. Established in 2019 by a decision of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Institute was merged with the Michał Oczapowski Central Agricultural Library, which has been operating since 1955. It pursues its mission by encouraging local communities to learn about and preserve their heritage and by showcasing the essence and beauty of folk customs and traditions to city dwellers. It supports the continuity of authentic folk art and crafts through scholarship programs and competitions. It organizes numerous events promoting folk culture, conducts publishing and research activities, and supports folk culture researchers and their supervisors by organizing an annual competition for the best scholarly work on rural culture and heritage in Poland.