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In the Story Circle

  • Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has celebrated the power of culture, creativity, and community on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Although this year’s plans were upended by the global pandemic, we remain committed to making space for sharing ideas, food, and music.

    Through the summer and fall of 2020, we will continue with a series of online Story Circle conversations and performances, highlighting artisans and experts from the United Arab Emirates, Northeast Brazil, the Smithsonian Conservation Commons, and more. We’ll also add to the national conversation about racism, intersectional discrimination, and building an equitable, just society.

Featured Video


Current Research

  • United Arab Emirates
    Young falconer Osha readies her falcon, Yas
  • Earth Optimism
    Smithsonian research scientist Mary Hagedorn takes a census of a Pacific coral reef community
  • D.C. Music
    Map of DC showing user-submitted images and recordings with red star markers.

Our Purpose

  • Photo by Kerri Redding, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives

Support the Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, sustainability projects, educational outreach, and more.

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