April 2001
Two Positions Available at the Philadelphia Folklore Project

Summer Internship

The Philadelphia Folklore Project offers a graduate student internship for summer 2001. The intern will develop resource materials to assist twelve culturally diverse folk and traditional artists. The Philadelphia Folklore Project's anti-racist folk arts education residency program places artists in urban public schools and community sites where they are developing youth ensembles. The intern will develop brief and readable essays to assist the artists in explaining and contextualizing their experiences and to provide readers with a general understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of particular folk arts in Philadelphia today. The successful candidate will be able to: 1) write clearly and thoughtfully for a general reader about the arts, histories and contexts of diverse art forms; 2) review and critically synthesize existing anthropological, historical, ethnomusicological and other relevant literature; 3) work effectively and collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds. As well, the successful candidate will be a good critical thinker, able to work independently and meet deadlines, and able to travel around the city of Philadelphia. Background in folklore, African, African American or Asian studies, anthropology, ethnomusicology, ethnography and education may be helpful. While it is expected that the intern will be a generalist, specific knowledge of any of the following traditions will be an advantage: Afro-Cuban, Liberian, Congolese and BaPedi/South African drum and dance, Cambodian court and folk dance, Trinidadian steel drums, Chinese folk and lion dance and Beijing opera, and Jewish klezmer. $6,000 stipend for a 10-week summer position, funded by the Winnet Fellowship program of the Samuel Fels Fund. There is the possibility that the position may be extended into full- or part-time work after the term of the internship. Send a letter detailing your interest in the position, a resumé and the names of 3 references by April 30, 2001 to Debora Kodish, Director, Philadelphia Folklore Project, 735 South 50th Street., Philadelphia, PA 19143. For more information, call 215-726.1106.

Community Arts Projects Specialist

The Philadelphia Folklore Project, a locally-based not-for-profit urban public folklife agency, is looking for a community arts projects director. This full-time staff position includes responsibility for providing technical assistance to artists and grassroots groups, coordinating community-based collaborative programs, and developing written materials (essays, publications, curricula) supporting these efforts. We are looking for someone who has a commitment to working equitably with disenfranchised communities on cultural equity issues, and who brings many of the following characteristics: demonstrated experience working with one or more specific folk arts and cultural traditions (especially Asian or African), knowledge of diverse Philadelphia neighborhoods and communities, excellent writing and computer skills, flexibility and resourcefulness, attention to detail, ability to work in a team, and ability to travel easily around the city (including to community events on evenings and weekends). Relevant experience might include at least 5 years community organizing or public sector folklife work; experience producing festivals or community concerts; field research/interviewing skills; experience in, and advanced degrees in a relevant field (folklife, ethnomusicology, Asian or African studies, anthropology, oral history, etc.) Media skills (sound or video recording, 35mm camera) are useful. Bilingual candidates are encouraged. The Philadelphia Folklore Project values diversity and we strongly encourage people of color and diverse workplace experiences to apply. Salary is negotiable; some benefits are available. Position to begin no later than September. Send a letter detailing your interest in the position, a resumé and the names of 3 references by May 30, 2001 to Debora Kodish, Director, Philadelphia Folklore Project, 735 South 50th Street., Philadelphia, PA 19143. For more information, call 215-726.1106. The Philadelphia Folklore Project is committed to sustaining the folk arts and cultures of the region's communities. We work for cultural equity by offering public education in the folk arts, technical assistance services, exhibitions and concerts, publications, and by maintaining an archive.