AUTHOR: John Fenn
John Fenn is the Head of Research and Programs at the American Folklife Center, a position that entails leading a team of staff involved in public programming, publications, research, and training in the field of folklife. His academic background is in folklore and ethnomusicology, and he holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University (2004). Prior to taking his position at the Library of Congress, John was an Associate Professor in the Arts and Administration Program at the University of Oregon. He was also a core faculty member in the Folklore Program, and served on the Executive Advisory Committee for the Oregon Folklife Network, which has its administrative offices at the University of Oregon. While a graduate student, John worked for the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival as Assistant Festival Producer and was heavily involved in programming at WFHB, Bloomington's community radio station. He has conducted fieldwork on expressive culture in Malawi (Southeast Africa), China, Indiana, and Oregon—exploring a wide range of practices, traditions, and communities. Throughout his career he has merged training in folklore and ethnomusicology with a commitment to documentation, public presentation, stewardship, and interpretation of cultural forms and expressions.
Most Recent Posts
- A Special “Cleaning Job:” Mold Remediation at the American Folklife Center Archive April 3rd, 2023
- The Fourth Season of our ‘America Works’ Podcast is Here! March 9th, 2023
- Caught My Ear: The Pineconers Live at Albert Hall, 1983! January 27th, 2023
- Homegrown Plus Premiere: Wuza Wuza Music and Dance Ensemble from Ghana August 31st, 2022
- Welcome, 2022 Folklife Interns! June 16th, 2022
- AFC Fellowship and Award Recipients 2022 June 6th, 2022
- Applications Open: Second Round of Funding for Community Collections Grant Program! June 3rd, 2022
- AFC Director Betsy Peterson Has Retired After 10 Years May 19th, 2022
- AFC Welcomes a New Director of Archives! May 16th, 2022