Texas Folklife's Community Folklife Fellowship

The Texas Folklife Community Folklife Fellowship program is a statewide, NEA-supported pilot program that provides training in oral history, interviewing, audio storytelling, archives, and podcast production for adults. Participants learn to document community traditions in their own cities and towns throughout the state, through workshops and community partnerships. The program supports applicants from diverse regions and communities of the state of Texas.

Fellows receive a stipend and free training in oral history, produce a documentary podcast episode, and teach a community workshop in their region. The program seeks participants from the diverse regions and communities of the state of Texas. 8-10 participants are selected from across the state.

Meet The Cohort

2023

  • Blanca Jenkins
  • Elizabeth Barger
  • Famo Musa
  • Imgard Khosravi
  • La’arni Ayum
  • Laura Villarreal
  • Maria Luisa Ornelas June
  • Racquel Gilford

2022

  • Laura Casmore
  • Yvette Blair-Lavallais
  • Elvia Rendon
  • monica teresa ortiz
  • g’beda Tonya Lyles 
  • Antoinette Lakey
  • Kelsey Lee
  • Ayme Peña
  • Geroninma Garza 

The Folklorist Next Door

Community-based folklorists explore foodways, music, ritual celebrations, and more. Each folklorist participated in Texas Folklife’s Community Folklife Fellowship program where they received mentorship, training workshops, and project support. Learn more at TexasFolklife.org This project is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Fellowship Blog

The chosen fellows will showcase the rich cultural mosaic of Texas by exploring and documenting a wide array of traditions and customs. Their work will span an eclectic mix of subjects, from culinary traditions such as sauerkraut preparation and innovative recipes born during the pandemic, to diverse performance practices and significant festivals like pastorelas and Juneteenth celebrations. Additionally, they will delve into pressing social themes, including the pursuit of climate justice, offering a comprehensive and vibrant portrayal of the state’s diverse communities.

Support The Podcast

Projects like The Folklorist Next-door are made possible by Community Members like you! Please consider support the continuation of community folklore documentation programs making a tax-deductible donation to Texas Folklife.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how the National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.