Next Smithsonian visit scheduled in county

The Mariposa County Arts Council has announced an emerging collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution through its Rural Initiative, bringing new opportunities for community-centered storytelling, cultural preservation and cross-sector collaboration to Mariposa County.

This multi-year effort is designed to support a locally rooted, community-driven cultural initiative that reflects the diverse experiences, histories and identities that shape life in Mariposa.

Grounded in the Smithsonian’s work in community curation and environmental humanities, the collaboration will focus on strengthening local capacity for storytelling, fostering connections among organizations and expanding access to national cultural resources.

As part of this effort, the Arts Council has convened an open and growing advisory committee, welcoming participation from anyone interested in contributing to a community curation project or building a relationship with the Smithsonian.

The Advisory Committee includes a broad range of local and regional partners, including: Sierra Foothill Conservancy; National Park Service; United Way; Hornitos Historical Society; Mariposa Museum and History Center; Northern Mariposa County History Center; Mariposa County Library; California State Mining and Mineral Museum; Yosemite Climbing Museum; Mariposa County Planning Department/Community Design; Mariposa County Public Information Office; Upper Merced River Watershed Council; Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau; Creative Placemaking Strategy Advisory Committee; Catheys Valley Historical Society; Historic Sites and Records Preservation

Commission; Wreaths Across America; Mariposa County High School and the Mariposa Storytelling Committee, among others.

The Advisory Committee is intended to be inclusive and flexible, with participation shaped by interest, availability and organizational capacity.

Organizations, educators and individuals from across sectors who are interested in participating are welcome to join.

Next Smithsonian visit

Representatives from multiple Smithsonian divisions will be in Mariposa County from May 18–20, to begin working with the advisory committee and the broader community. The visit will include a series of workshops, presentations, site visits and conversations focused on:

• Community storytelling and cultural preservation

• Place-based humanities and interpretation

• Opportunities for museum collaboration and affiliation

• Cross-sector partnership development

• Exploring local priorities and opportunities

In addition to local participation, the visit will also create space for neighboring Sierra communities to engage with Smithsonian representatives, learn more about the Rural Initiative and explore potential future collaborations.

A community-centered approach

Mariposa County offers a unique setting for this work. With deep ties to the land, layered histories and a strong sense of place, the region is well-positioned to support a collaborative initiative that centers community voice and shared narrative.

The project will invite participation from across the county, including arts and cultural organizations, schools, environmental groups, tribal partners, local government, historical societies and community members.

Together, participants will help shape a dynamic, community-defined narrative of place while building stronger connections and long-term cultural infrastructure.

Over time, this work may culminate in a public-facing showcase featuring exhibitions, storytelling projects, youth engagement, and collaborative initiatives developed through the partnership.

Community members and organizations interested in participating in the advisory Committee or learning more about the Smithsonian’s visit are encouraged to reach out.

Contact Cara Goger at goger@mariposaartscouncil.org or Polina Pivak at pivak@mariposaartscouncil.org.