Libraries to Host Community Scholars Training in Batesville

The next installment of the Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Community Scholars Program — a free training opportunity for Arkansans interested in finding, documenting and presenting community culture, folklife and traditional arts — begins June 1 at the Independence County Library in Batesville, Arkansas. 

This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Participants are required to commit to the entire training series.  

The Community Scholars Program is a free training opportunity for Arkansans interested in finding, documenting and presenting community culture, folklife and traditional arts. Participants will gain skills in documenting and researching culture, archiving and presenting research, and developing projects in collaboration with community stakeholders. 

The program aims to prepare participants to feel confident in developing projects such as oral history collections, exhibits large and small, web and digital content, cultural surveys/inventories on community traditions and more. During the program, participants will develop a project — large or small — to practice the skills learned.  

Dates & Times: 

• Thursday, June 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, June 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, June 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, July 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, July 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, Aug. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  (virtual only)  

Questions may be directed to Lauren Willette at willette@uark.edu or 479-575-4664.