Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Roundtable
Session Title
Funding for Public Programs in Folk and Traditional Arts: An Extreme Sport
Session Abstract or Summary
Scholars working in public spheres in Appalachian arts and traditional culture experience challenges and opportunities in the current economic climate. With decreases in funding for public education and the arts, job and industry losses across the region, and pushes for creative approaches to economic development, arts organizations and public folklorists find themselves working harder than ever to advocate for arts funding. Drawing on the perspectives of four experienced public folklorists working in museums, festivals, and arts education, this panel addresses the new economies of traditional arts, frameworks of heritage tourism and the creative economy, and how scholars working in the public sector can be strong advocates for careful and thoughtful programming in the arts, often through effective collaborations between non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions. Presenters will discuss practical challenges in funding sources and strategies for success, drawing from theoretical frameworks in their disciplines and from their experience building programs for Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Create Appalachia, the International Storytelling Center, and The Crooked Road.
Presentation #1 Title
Funding for Public Programs in Folk and Traditional Arts: An Extreme Sport
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Scholars working in public spheres in Appalachian arts and traditional culture experience challenges and opportunities in the current economic climate. With decreases in funding for public education and the arts, job and industry losses across the region, and pushes for creative approaches to economic development, arts organizations and public folklorists find themselves working harder than ever to advocate for arts funding. Drawing on the perspectives of four experienced public folklorists working in museums, festivals, and arts education, this panel addresses the new economies of traditional arts, frameworks of heritage tourism and the creative economy, and how scholars working in the public sector can be strong advocates for careful and thoughtful programming in the arts, often through effective collaborations between non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions. Presenters will discuss practical challenges in funding sources and strategies for success, drawing from theoretical frameworks in their disciplines and from their experience building programs for Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Create Appalachia, the International Storytelling Center, and The Crooked Road.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Jessica Anderson Turner is the Director of the award-winning Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, VA. Her work in the fields of folklore and ethnomusicology examines heritage, community, and the arts, with particular interests in community access and engagement.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Katie Hoffman is a folklorist and musician who has served as traditional music advisor for public programing venues, documentaries, and public school music heritage programs. In 2012 Katie founded Appalworks, a consulting business based in East Tennessee, promoting cultural heritage as a tool for both place-based, sustainable economic development and education.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Roddy Moore's career as a folklorist in southwest Virginia spans over 40 years, and he has led the creation of numerous programs, initiatives, and exhibits on traditional arts and folk culture. He serves as the Director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Kiran Singh Sirah is the president of the International Storytelling Center. Kiran’s diverse career as a folklorist includes work as an artist, curator, and teacher; and encompasses award-winning national and international arts, cultural and human rights programs.
Funding for Public Programs in Folk and Traditional Arts: An Extreme Sport
Scholars working in public spheres in Appalachian arts and traditional culture experience challenges and opportunities in the current economic climate. With decreases in funding for public education and the arts, job and industry losses across the region, and pushes for creative approaches to economic development, arts organizations and public folklorists find themselves working harder than ever to advocate for arts funding. Drawing on the perspectives of four experienced public folklorists working in museums, festivals, and arts education, this panel addresses the new economies of traditional arts, frameworks of heritage tourism and the creative economy, and how scholars working in the public sector can be strong advocates for careful and thoughtful programming in the arts, often through effective collaborations between non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions. Presenters will discuss practical challenges in funding sources and strategies for success, drawing from theoretical frameworks in their disciplines and from their experience building programs for Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Create Appalachia, the International Storytelling Center, and The Crooked Road.
