Jackson Storyfest’s mission is to ignite imagination through the art of storytelling
Educators, students, parents, grandparents, volunteers, other storytellers, toddlers and a cross section of the community comprise our audiences. At evening performances we have many loyal supporters who return year after year. In the workshops participants discover ways to remember our stories and tell them to others, especially to share with our families as a way to pass along our heritage. Each storyteller reinforces the idea of continuing to tell stories.
Jackson Storyfest Objectives:
To provide free storytelling performances for the students of Jackson County
On Friday, students, plus their teachers and classroom chaperones came into downtown Jackson to participate in 2 storytelling sessions. Through the generous support of businesses, foundations, individuals and the Jackson County Intermediate School District, these sessions are free of charge. On Saturday afternoon, Gemini will entertain at the family matinee.
To provide storytelling experiences for adults in the community
Public evening performances will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings featuring Mary Hamilton and Dan Keding.
To provide workshops for the public on the art of storytelling
Two workshops are on Saturday May 4 with the two featured storytellers leading the workshops.
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.
Organized by volunteers and supported by generous foundations, businesses and individuals, Jackson Storyfest has offered a free weekend of storytelling for more than twenty five 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. A daytime session for senior citizens has also been added on Thursay.
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 renowned, 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.
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“It’s been said that next to food and drink, our most basic human hunger is for storytelling”
– Leighton Ford
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Contact Jackson Storyfest 517.499.2290 or email jacksonstoryfest@gmail.com
Proud to be a SPRING 2012 NSN REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT