The festival will try to include as many sides of the Basque culture as possible, from cuisine to dances, especially focusing on the Basque language and its revitalization (Image: E.K.)
Voted one of the top tourist events in the United States, the 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival features the Basques as an example of innovation by culture. Between the 29th of June and the 4th of July, and from the 7th to the 10th of July, almost half a million people are expected to attend this laud to multiculturalism, as said by James Mayer, Public Affairs Specialist of the festival, in conversation with EuskalKultura.com. Now the organization is looking forward to having Basque-American groups and individuals participating in their programs.
Washington D.C. Today is the due date for sending the applications for contractors and interns for this year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival. However, volunteers will be able to apply between April and June, and they should do it “through their local Basque Club or by sending an email to folklfe@si.edu,” explained Mayer. Approximately, the festival deploys around 200 contractors and interns and about 400 volunteers.
“We look for people with relevant experience in the field, but from different backgrounds,” said the Media contact. “For example, we need people to build the festival, the stages, but we also need people with experience organizing big groups of volunteers.”
Even if the festival has yet to confirm the groups and individuals that will participate in the different programs, the curatorial team is already working with community leaders and academics to determine who to invite. In the words of Mayer, there will probably be “around 100 people coming from the Basque Country, from Europe, and a little less than a hundred Basque-Americans.” “The diaspora is a major key for us,” he added.
Mayer also stated that their Community Engagement Manager, Greyson Harris, is in touch with NABO and some Basque Clubs, to determine which groups and individuals to invite. He also encouraged any interested groups and people that might have not been contacted yet to contact NABO or directly email or phone Mr. Harris (harrisgl@si.edu, (202) 633-6525) or the organization at folklife@si.edu.
Send to a friend
Add comment
