

Cultural Heritage Tourism
Goal:
$254,000
Cultural Heritage Tourism
Goal:
$254,000
Introduction
Through our community-based approach, we design tourism experiences to support tradition-bearers and to ensure their communities benefit from having their cultural heritage shared with the world.
Challenge
The Cultural Heritage Tourism Initiative uses research and presentation methods from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival to curate engaging, inclusive, and sustainable community-based tourism experiences. We help hosts convey their heritage by working together to create extraordinary experiences—both immersive and unforgettable that instill a sense of place and leave travelers with enduring memories.
Our process prioritizes an equitable relationship to ensure communities directly benefit from sharing their cultural heritage worldwide. Our work in tourism leverages other synergistic initiatives, such as the Center’s work with artisans and the Festival. Activities include cultural heritage documentation, participatory community engagement, destination assessment and asset inventory, experience design and product development, workshops and trainings, enterprise development, market access and linkages, policy reform, and strategic planning.


“Education has the power to change the world—it begins with empowering just one mind.”
Problem
Despite efforts to expand education, many barriers persist. Schools often operate without adequate resources, well-trained staff, or infrastructure. Additionally, digital divides and inconsistent policies widen the educational gap, leaving millions behind.
Solution
We support sustainable, long-term educational initiatives that address the core challenges facing learners and institutions. Our approach emphasizes resource access, infrastructure development, and teacher support:
01. Providing Learning Materials
Distributing books, devices, and learning tools to underserved areas.
02. Building and Upgrading Schools
Creating safe, inclusive, and well-equipped educational spaces.
03. Training and Supporting Educators
Empowering teachers with training programs, mentorship, and teaching tools.
04. Scholarships & Access Programs
Ensuring financial or systemic barriers don't block access to learning.
Introduction
Through our community-based approach, we design tourism experiences to support tradition-bearers and to ensure their communities benefit from having their cultural heritage shared with the world.
Challenge
The Cultural Heritage Tourism Initiative uses research and presentation methods from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival to curate engaging, inclusive, and sustainable community-based tourism experiences. We help hosts convey their heritage by working together to create extraordinary experiences—both immersive and unforgettable that instill a sense of place and leave travelers with enduring memories.
Our process prioritizes an equitable relationship to ensure communities directly benefit from sharing their cultural heritage worldwide. Our work in tourism leverages other synergistic initiatives, such as the Center’s work with artisans and the Festival. Activities include cultural heritage documentation, participatory community engagement, destination assessment and asset inventory, experience design and product development, workshops and trainings, enterprise development, market access and linkages, policy reform, and strategic planning.

“Education has the power to change the world—it begins with empowering just one mind.”
Problem
Despite efforts to expand education, many barriers persist. Schools often operate without adequate resources, well-trained staff, or infrastructure. Additionally, digital divides and inconsistent policies widen the educational gap, leaving millions behind.
Solution
We support sustainable, long-term educational initiatives that address the core challenges facing learners and institutions. Our approach emphasizes resource access, infrastructure development, and teacher support:
01. Providing Learning Materials
Distributing books, devices, and learning tools to underserved areas.
02. Building and Upgrading Schools
Creating safe, inclusive, and well-equipped educational spaces.
03. Training and Supporting Educators
Empowering teachers with training programs, mentorship, and teaching tools.
04. Scholarships & Access Programs
Ensuring financial or systemic barriers don't block access to learning.
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Help the cause!
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