Michael Mason

Director, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Dr. Michael Atwood Mason became director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in 2013. A champion of cultural sustainability, Mason has spent his career supporting individuals and communities in identifying, documenting, preserving, and sharing the culture that matters most to them. Mason manages the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, global cultural sustainability initiatives, and educational activities. He began his career at the Smithsonian in 1992, working at the Anacostia Community Museum and later at the National Museum of Natural History. And he has developed, curated, and managed more than eighty exhibitions. Since 1987, he has been studying the religions and cultures of the African diaspora, and he is the author of Living Santería: Rituals and Experiences in an Afro-Cuban Religion and the cultural blog Baba Who? Babalú! He has been recognized for his contributions to supporting local cultural reclamation efforts.

All Sessions by Michael Mason

  • 9.24.(Thu)


  • 14:30  - 14:45
    Indigenous Local Knowledge (ILK) is an important form of intangible cultural heritage. Presenting examples of attempts to scientifically prove the contribution of ILK, transmitted and accumulated over a long period of time, to biodiversity. Exploring research and policies that encourage the use of ILK in diverse ways.

  • 9.25.(Fri)


  • 14:00  - 14:30
    Intangible cultural heritage transmitted and accumulated over generations allow human societies to interact with nature, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Examining the central role of local communities in such contribution, presenting future tasks and direction for action.




Share

Michael Mason