The Ozarks

How to Participate | The Ozarks

Three men pose in front of the U.S. Capitol Building, each holding a musical instrument: fiddle, banjo, and acoustic guitar. — Musicians David Scrivner, Nathan McAlister, and David Cavins performed at the 2022 Festival in a preview of the 2023 Ozarks program.
Photo courtesy of MSU Libraries

The 2023 Folklife Festival will bring Ozarks-based musicians, artisans, cooks, performers, and others to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate and share their culture. Presented through two weeks of performances, workshops, demonstrations and other participatory experiences, the program will highlight diverse populations from across the region, encompassing parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois.

Our open call for Festival participation is now closed, and participants have been selected.

We are still researching the rich cultural resources available within the Ozarks. If you would like to submit additional information for the project, please fill out the Cultural Expressions Survey. We will use the information collected for research and archival purposes on behalf of the Smithsonian, Missouri State University Libraries, and our partners.

Other ways to be involved in the program:

Presenters — The Festival relies on regional experts who are knowledgeable about the Ozarks and its expressive cultural traditions. These individuals are enthusiastic about interacting with large public groups, to introduce performers, pose questions, and generally encourage rich interactive discussion. Please send recommendations, along with their specialty and contact information, to program co-curator Cristina Diaz-Carrera, Diaz-CarreraC@si.edu.
Seasonal staff — While the application deadline has passed for temporary staff and contract positions, we will continue to review applications on a rolling basis as needed. Knowledge of Ozarks culture is especially useful in the roles of program assistant, foodways assistant, and participant assistant.
Interns — Several funded internship positions will be available for a six- to eight-week period between June 5 to July 28. Check the internship listings for updates and how to apply.
Volunteers — Volunteers assist with stage management, audiovisual documentation, participant support, and much more. Subscribe to the Festival volunteer mailing list for updates.

Click the button to complete the survey through Missouri State University.

Cultural Expressions Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to submit my application?

November 15, 2022

What financial costs should I consider?

Travel, lodging, food, and accidental insurance for selected participants will be provided by the Smithsonian. Any additional expenses will be your responsibility.

If selected, what sort of time commitment is required?

In addition to attending the two-week Festival in D.C., participants will need to connect with Festival coordinators and curators in the preceding months to create and solidify their portion of the program. A required participant orientation will be held in April or May 2023 in Springfield, Missouri.

Can I provide my own sponsorship or the sponsorship of my group?

No, self-sponsorship is not an option.

What if I can only attend part of the Festival?

We will give preference to contributors who are able to participate for the duration of the Festival.

How does the selection process work?

As a result of the Cultural Expressions Survey & Interest Form, MSU Libraries and other regional partners will make suggestions to the Smithsonian curators, who make the ultimate decisions on Festival content and participation. Priority will be given to individuals or groups who have a strong connection to the key themes and the flexibility to work within smaller numbers. Individuals or small groups who can present on a variety of topics will also be prioritized.

When will participants be notified?

Festival participants will be notified by Smithsonian officials in March 2023.

If selected, will I be able to sell my products or merchandise at the Festival?

While sales are not permitted on the National Mall, the Smithsonian buys select products and merchandise from participants to sell in the Festival Marketplace. The pop-up shop is located near the Festival on Smithsonian property.

Where can I learn more about the Festival and past programs?

Please see our Mission & History and Past Programs pages online.

Cultural Expressions Survey

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