Community Scholars Program

Participants are introduced to documentation techniques, ethics of working with communities, research and archiving methods, presentation of culture, grant writing, and project development. They become part of a statewide Community Scholar network, promoting, and advocating for traditional culture by sharing resources with fellow alumni of this program. A standard training consists of 5 biweekly sessions with short homework assignments. The program is flexible in format and content, based on the trainees’ priorities and availability.

We aim to prepare Community Scholars to feel confident in developing projects such as:

• Oral history collections
• Exhibits large and small
• Web and digital content
• Cultural surveys and inventories on community traditions

With intimate knowledge of local communities, Community Scholars are well situated to present folklife through new or existing programs using presentation techniques learned through this training. Community Scholars can help build diverse audiences for cultural programming and inspire new appreciation for what makes their communities unique.

The responsibility of participants includes:

• Participate in five Community Scholar training sessions in your area.
• Complete an introductory community documentation project during the training.
• Participate in occasional professional development opportunities.
• Support and promote the traditional arts and culture of your area.

 

Any person or organization interested in conserving cultural heritage in Arkansas.

Key audiences for this program include:

• Individuals working with heritage and cultural sites
• Members of cultural organizations (museums, arts councils, places of worship).
• Educators, librarians, archivists, and
• Artists, actors, storytellers, and
• Anyone with an interest in community

Yes!  Since May 2024, Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts has been registered as a professional development provider through the Arkansas Department of Education. While educators are welcome to attend any Community Scholars program (and will find great benefit from it), AFTA does offer periodic versions of the program tailored specifically for educators.

Last educator training: Summer 2024, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Next anticipated educator training: Summer 2026 (details TBA)

For information on educator-specific programming, visit: folklife.uark.edu/scholar/educator/

To take the training (individuals): Session dates and locations vary.  Contact us for more information or see upcoming sites below.

To host the training (individuals/organizations): This training is free and we would be happy to bring it to your group or location!  As a host partner, we ask that you provide the venue and help promote the program to your community. There is a currently a waiting list to host the training for 2025. Contact Virginia Siegel at vdsiegel@uark.edu.

This training is free and we would be happy to bring it to your group or location!  As a host partner, we ask that you:

• Provide the venue.
• Promote the program to your community.

There is a currently a waiting list to host the training through 2025. Contact Virginia Siegel at vdsiegel@uark.edu.