Folklife Ambassadors support folklife in North America with an eye on expanding the global folklife movement. With a focus on smaller cultural diasporas and ethnic folk dance ensembles, the Ambassadors are embedded in different communities for short periods of time. After careful study and consideration, HFA found that, in fact, there are disparities in folklife resources and access among cultural communities. This program was designed to address those needs by creating a shared resource model with a focus on having the Ambassadors observe, consult with, and demonstrate their expertise with their U.S. counterparts.

Folklife Ambassadors Hajni Guti-Izsó and Lajos Hunor Izsó at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC | Photo by Andrea Decker

Background

The HFA strives to provide opportunities for collaboration, resource-sharing, grant
facilitation, education, professional development, and financial support for folklife activities. Through our annual conference as well as programs in the last couple of years, it has become apparent that Hungarian folklife organizations and regional ethnic dance ensembles face common challenges – recruitment, resources and long-term sustainability.

Much like Hungarian Scouts and Schools, folklife is a pathway that reinforces Hungarian identity worldwide among diasporas – especially among young people. Hungarian folklife is also a doorway into the broader international folklife movement and community. Due to their size or geographical location, there are a number of Hungarian communities where folk programming does not exist – even though it is desired and needed. Through conversations within HFA it was determined that shared “folklife resources” could be a way to fill these gaps and reenergize those communities as well as organizations that keep Hungarian folk dance traditions alive (ie. ethnic dance companies).

Operational Plan

The primary framework of the Folklife Ambassador program features dancers and musicians that travel throughout the United States to bolster folklife activities in communities that are in need of their expertise. The focal point of the Ambassadors’ work in the U.S. is rooted in the interchange of their knowledge and skills with America-based folklore experts – not just within diasporal Hungarian communities but within interdisciplinary and intercultural-focused cultural, educational, and artistic institutions and organizations – primarily by observing, consulting or demonstrating their special knowledge or skills. In addition, HFA handles support systems/logistics for the dancers.

Their work is focused on:

  1. Fostering the exchange of knowledge and skills between the Ambassadors and U.S. folklore specialists through observation, consultation, and demonstrations of their respective expertise.
  2. Community building (communication, service, program development and folk education)
  3. Folk dance education, performance and on occasion, choreography work.
  4. Offering professional development online globally to diasporas.
  5. Staying in the United States for the Ambassadors from longer-term, multi-month residencies to shorter-term stays so as to have impact.

Folklife Ambassadors we look for are people with:

  1. Excellent written/oral communicators (because we put the pair in direct touch with each community to work out the local program details).
  2. Organized.
  3. Knowledgeable about folk dance/music and have documented expertise in one of these areas, as appropriate.
  4. Have great people skills (because our relationship with each community is sacrosanct.
  5. Passionate about the interchange of knowledge and skills with America-based folklife specialists, both within and outside of Hungarian diasporal communities.
  6. Are eligible to participate in a cultural exchange program.
  7. Can demonstrate advanced English proficiency (completion upon chosen EFSET – 90-minute version (FREE option).
  8. Hold a valid passport for international travel.

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Email resume/CV to designated location.
  3. Two references submitted.
  4. Online link to a teaching experience or performance.
  5. Submission of the EFSET English proficiency exam.
  6. Online interview.

Our Commitment to the Ambassadors | Professional Development and Logistical Support

The Folklife Ambassadors will not only impact the communities they serve, but they will also grow as individuals and professionals. During the program’s tenure fellows will develop their leadership and professional skills – which will help in their career journeys. As Ambassadors will receive extensive support in topics ranging from program management software, conflict resolution, networking, event management, program development, and more. They will also have the opportunity to gain professional coaching from their mentors.

Furthermore, HFA provides logistical support, and affordable housing. We want to make the experience as positive for our Ambassadors as possible.

History

The program operated for the first time in 2023 – 2024, thanks to the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Program. There was a male folk dancer who traveled to various locations to support activities. In 2024 – 2025 a folk dance pair traveled 21 times throughout the United States to offer performances, teaching and choreography work. Through 360 degree post-program evaluation, the feedback was overwhelmingly in favor of this shared resource model. Smaller diasporas did, in fact, report that access to folklife resources and expertise was essential to keeping Hungarian culture/identity alive in their respective regions.

Select Past Folklife Ambassadors Program (Participants)

Contact: panni[at]hungarianfolklife.org to learn more.