Bio / presentation

The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian Institution, dedicated to the study, preservation, and presentation of living cultural traditions. Its core mission revolves around understanding and celebrating intangible cultural heritage through diverse programs. The Center conducts extensive fieldwork, documenting traditional arts, music, crafts, and narratives from communities worldwide. It is renowned for organizing the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C., a vibrant public event that brings cultural practitioners from various backgrounds to share their traditions directly with audiences. Through publications, recordings, and educational initiatives, the Center fosters cross-cultural understanding, promotes cultural sustainability, and ensures that the richness of human creativity is valued and transmitted across generations.