Envisioning the Future of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 2019–present

Worked with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (the Center), one of four national cultural celebrations staged on the National Mall and funded by Congress, to plan and facilitate two strategic visioning sessions. ArtRise led one conversation with internal staff from the Center and another with a group of thought leaders including cultural festival producers from across the country, partners of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Festival) and arts administrators from the Washington D.C. area. Sessions explored ways to invigorate the Festival, position the program for greater reach, relevance, and impact; and, respond to anticipated infrastructure changes.