Organized by volunteers and supported by generous foundations, businesses and individuals, Jackson Storyfest has offered a free weekend of storytelling for more than twenty years.  Annually, over  5,000 students visit downtown Jackson to hear stories by national, regional and local tellers as they weave their magic at various downtown locations.

             There are also three public performances offered to the general public.  On Friday and Saturday evenings, adults and teens are invited to free presentations by renown, national storytellers.  A free family matinee is offered on Saturday afternoon for children of all ages.  Additionally, two workshops are conducted by our evening storytellers offering valuable insight into the ancient art of storytelling.  A small fee is charged for the workshops.

             In 2002, Jackson Storyfest received the Great Lakes Community Arts Award for demonstrating exceptional accomplishment by an arts and cultural organization.

 

Our Mission:

The mission of Jackson Storyfest is to increase awareness of the importance of storytelling in the home, school and community.

· To provide free storytelling performances for the students of Jackson County. 

· To provide a teacher workshop on techniques and activities for integrating storytelling into the curriculum.  Literacy goals will be emphasized as pre and post activities are shared with teachers to use in their classrooms.

· To provide workshops for the public on the art of storytelling.

· To provide opportunities for total community involvement with businesses, churches, and other organizations providing sites for student performances, the involvement of city and county government, schools, and many volunteers.

· To provide storytelling performances for adults in the community.

 

The Jackson Storyfest is held to promote the enjoyment

and practice of storytelling through the following goals:

· To develop a greater sense of heritage.

· To initiate cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

· To promote literacy.

· To encourage imagination.

· To help participants realize they are storytellers.

· To encourage cooperative community involvement.

· To develop the art of listening.

· To provide students with opportunity to attend a live performance.