http://www.folkathens.org

We believe that our generation does not place enough importance on knowledge and art forms that are locally-based. In order to address this situation, the FOLK Society's primary undertaking is to hold bi-monthly lecture series on such topics that we feel have fallen by the wayside, such as local food, Appalachian culture, folk music, etc. We plan to bring to Athens local experts in these fields. We use the term "lecture" loosely as we plan to adapt the medium of each lecture to its specific topic, whether through music, food, discussion, art, or any combination of the like. These lectures will take place in appropriate UGA classes and as public lectures in the evenings, with situationally-appropriate locations.

The title of this lecture series is to be Colporteurs-in-Residence. Colporteurs were figures in 18th and 19th century France who carried bags of censored or obscure books—romance, religious, mystery, cookbooks—and ensured their continued circulation among the masses. We see this to be an appropriate title; those whom we plan to host will be colporteurs in their own rights, passing local knowledge to the masses through traditional media.

In the face of globalization, our generation's sense of local community wanes. Our goal is to ensure that local, community-based knowledge and art forms do not wane with it.