G&A Alum Retires as Folklife Program Director
Maida Owens, alum of the G&A Department, has worked for the Division of Arts within the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism in Louisiana for 38 years. For 36, she has served as the Folklife Program Director. We are proud of her work for the state and the country! She has retired as of June 1, 2025. She remains active with the . See her email announcement below:
"Today is my last day as Folklife Program Director!
After more than 38 years at the Division of the Arts and 36 years as the Folklife
Program Director, I am retiring as Folklife Program Director on June 1, 2025.
I will remain active in the arts and folklife networks, and I will continue working with the Bayou Culture Collaborative as Senior Project Consultant with a special focus on the Environmental Adaptation and Migration Workshops and other special projects as needed. I can be reached at maidaowens@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.
The Office of Cultural Development and Division of the Arts has consistently supported Folklife and my work throughout the years. I feel blessed to have been able to work with so many tradition bearers, artists, folklorists, community members, and organizations throughout the state. The work has varied over the years, starting with folklife festivals, surveys, exhibits, books, websites, and most recently, focusing on the Bayou Culture Collaborative's efforts to include culture in environmental planning as well as offering Passing It On Workshop grants.
The new director starts June 16. I hope you support them as much as you all have supported me.
Do stay in touch!
Maida Owens"