You can’t even hear yourself think, let alone someone else speaking, when you’re standing between two competing karaoke stations. So we just kept moving through the covered walkway in the middle of the park

Growing up in China, the word “reunion” (tuan ju 团聚) always reminded me of a crowded, cozy, and chatty occasion when the extended family got together to catch up, eat a feast, and celebrate.

In reflecting on our experiences at the 2012 Folklife Festival, the team of interns kept coming back to the concept of community.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt was impacted by a storm at the Festival, but incurred only minor damage—a testament to the resilience of the quilt, the program team, and the visitors who pitched in to help.

Mike Smith, co-founder of The NAMES Project Foundation, discusses the inspirational power of The AIDS Memorial Quilt

UNUKUPUKUPU is a hula curricula that teaches students to better understand their place in the community through performance and study

I have volunteered and worked at several Smithsonian Folklife Festivals before, but I did not know what to anticipate when I went down to the Festival grounds on Sunday, July 1.

Over the past two weeks, a Quilting Bee workshop has sprung up under a tent, dedicated to helping the public create 3′ x 6′ panels to add to The AIDS Memorial Quilt.

“Creativity activates. Without creativity life can be quite harsh.”

The photographer behind this remarkable artwork is one of twelve participants who live locally and are HIV-positive, united for a remarkable photo documentary project.