Utah Folk Arts Program Seeks Contractor for Survey

The Utah Folk Arts Program (UFAP) is accepting proposals for a contract fieldworker to survey a four county region in Southern Utah. The total amount for this project will be between $10,000 – $12,000. The deadline for submissions is December 2, 2024.

The Utah Folk Arts Program (UFAP) seeks to hire a contract fieldworker to identify and document traditional artistic practices in the Southwest Utah counties of Kane, Washington, Iron, and Garfield counties. Home to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, this region has long been home to multiple ethnic groups and cultural traditions that include ranching, agricultural, sheepherding, waterways, fiber arts, and many more yet to be documented.

The total contract amount for this project will be between $10,000 – $12,000. A preliminary budget proposal will be required when applying.

A successful project will result in the documentation of at least 10 tradition bearers. The purpose of this project will document cultural traditions within this four county region, as well as cultivate participation in public programming and grant opportunities offered through the Utah Folk Arts Program; such as the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program; exhibitions; participation at folk festivals; features on the Utah Folklife podcast; among many others.

A preliminary list of identified contacts will be provided to the successful applicant.

Work will include:

• Completion of fieldwork forms (release forms, interview logs, data sheets, multimedia forms)
• Submission to UFAP of all multimedia documentation (audio, photography, and video) of tradition bearers, as well as their contact information and brief biographies (200 – 250 words)
• Remain in regular contact with Utah Division of Art Museum’s Folk Arts Coordinator throughout the project
• A final report that summarizes the project through personal thoughts, ideas, and recommendations to incorporate findings into public programming.

Work for this project may begin January 6, 2025 and must be completed by May 30, 2025, including all deliverables as outlined above. Fieldwork days do not need to be consecutive. The successful applicant should have an MA and/or PhD in folklore or a related discipline, such as cultural anthropology or ethnomusicology, and at least 2 years’ professional experience with folklife documentation.

Demonstrable, exceptional non-academic experience may serve as a substitute. Qualified applicants must have experience and technical competence with digital equipment (camera, audio recorder, laptop computer). A personal vehicle will be required for all travel.

Proposals must include the following:

• A 500 – 750 word description outlining a project proposal (planning and implementing fieldwork such as timeframes, priorities, and deliverables)
• A preliminary budget proposal for a total contract of $10,000 – $12,000
• A CV or resume
• Contact information for 2 – 3 references
• Up to 10 representative work samples that can include:
       o 4-5 minute segments of recorded interviews
       o Photography
       o Field notes
       o Professional writing samples

Proposals submitted that do not include these materials will be considered incomplete and will not be included in the pool of reviewers. The fee for this contract will not exceed $12,000.

The Utah Folk Arts Program will provide preliminary contact information/introductions for tradition bearers, organizations, and community liaisons in Garfield, Kane, Washington, and Iron
counties. The Utah Folk Arts Program will provide fieldwork forms, batteries, memory cards, etc. as needed for documentation purposes. As needed, audio recorders, a digital camera, and other equipment can be provided for documentation purposes.

Proposals should be sent via email to Folk Arts Coordinator Ian Hallagan at ihallagan@utah.gov.