Dr. Fred Motley founded the Danville Storytelling Festival (DSF) in 2001.
In partnership with the several local grassroots groups, regional artisans, and civic organizations- there was a shared passion to continue the tradition of storytelling that has been around for centuries. A tradition which keeps many of these “unwritten” stories alive and passed down from generation to generation.
The Danville Storytelling Festival is a family-oriented event that acts as an “artistic social bridge” - bringing communities together and celebrating how we are all connected using the rich tradition of storytelling, performances, and activism. Storytellers, also known as “Griots,” perform different styles of storytelling, collectively creating a multi-cultural and generational experience.
The festival also includes a special ceremony that recognizes community members, who used their own stories, to inspire social and economic progress as part of their professional endeavors and community activism in the Dan River Region. The festival is a free event that is open to the public.
64+
Storytellers & Honorees
1,500+
Attendees
5+
Awards & Recognitions
∞
Stories passed down from
generation to generation
07.20.24
JULY 20, 2024
The 22nd Annual Danville Storytelling Festival
Time: 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: FREE
Location: Averett University
420 West Main Street
Danville, Virginia 24541
Pre-recorded digital performances include ASL & Spanish Language Interpretation.
For additional assistance and support, please call The Motley Consulting Group (TMCG) at 434-483-4368 or email us at info@danvillestorytelling.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is this year's festival and what time?
The 2024 festival will be held in person with a digital component. Attendees can register to attend the festival through out eventbrite. Please click here to get tickets. Registration has been extended through July 15, 2024.
July 20, 2024
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm EST
Averett University
Danville, Virginia 24541
For Assistance, Please Call 434-483-4368.or email us at info@danvillestorytelling.com.
What type of accommodations are available to attendees? (In-Person & Virtual)
This year, we're back in person with a digital experience so festival goers can enjoy DSF virtually as well.The "pre-recorded" digital performances include ASL & Spanish language interpretation. Our digital festival will also be available in our quite room.
Sensory Station & Quiet Room
We're excited to partner with "Who Sets the Standard," a non-profit dedicated to improving access and amenities for folks on the Spectrum, Neurodivergent, Ability-Othered, etc. Therefore, we will have quiet exits, noise-canceling headphones, sensory stations, and a quiet room for folks and families to use throughout the festival.
We are unable to provide ASL & Spanish language interpretation for the in-person event and festival materials, but plan to provide such accommodations for future festivals. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience.The festival will not be "live streamed" the day of the event. The building is also wheelchair accessible with elevators. There is also designated parking for those with a disability tag or license plate. For additional assistance and support, please email us at info@danvillestorytelling.com or 434-483-4368.
Is the festival welcoming and supportive of attendees from different backgrounds? (In-Person & Virtual)
The vision of the storytelling festival was to create a space that celebrates and highlights the lived experiences of minoritized folks in the region. Especially those that don’t see their stories celebrated often enough (e.g. Folks of Color, LGBTQIA+, Womxn, Rural, etc.). Therefore, we welcome attendees and artists from different lived experiences. We expect that ALL attendees, volunteers, and festival team members work together to create an environment that reflects the dignity, value, respect, and sensitivity the festival cherishes so deeply. Therefore, please be mindful of language, symbols on clothing, social interactions, etc.while at the festival. The festival reserves the right to remove anyone from the premises that is disruptive to the festival, as well as prevent asaid individuals from attending future festivals.
Is there merchandise and food to purchase? (In-Person & Virtual)
Festival Merchandise
Attendees will have the option to purchase festival merchandise at our marketplace. DSF merchandise is only sold at the festival, changes year to year, and is sold on a first come, first serve basis. Merchandise includes festival bookmarks, decals, t-shirts, cups, and more. Due to demand, we are working on a plan for attendees to purchase festival merchandise via our website throughout the year.
Festival Food & Beverages
Additionally, our venue will offer hot/cold beverages and an assortment of snacks for purchase through the Cougar Convenience Mart. Purchases via the DSF Marketplace and Cougar Convenience Mart will accept card payments only. Lastly, attendees will have an opportunity to receive a free festival snack ticket by completing a festival evaluation and signing up for our festival listserv the day of the event. The snack ticket can be redemed at the Cougar Mart.
Is the festival rain or shine? (In-Person & Virtual)
Yes, the festival will happen rain or shine.
Where do I enter the festival? (In-Person Only)
When selecting our festival venues we also ensure there are several entrances. Information regarding festival parking, designated entraces, elevators, ramps, parking assistance, etc. is provided via email after reserving your tickets via our DSF Eventbrite. All attendess will receive wristbands upon entry. Click here to check out the festival map. Click here for directions to Averett's Main Campus.
Where should I park? Do I need a parking pass? (In-Person Only)
This year's venue offers handicap accessible and open parking in designated festival lots. Parking is at no cost. A banner, signage, and volunteers will be outside the venue to guide attendees to the entrance. DSF is not responsible nor liable for vehicles or personal items inside of vehicles. Therefore, be sure to secure your car appropriately. Click here to check out the festival map to view parking. Click here for directions to Averett's Main Campus.
Are the festival venues wheelchair accessible and friendly for individuals that need mobility support? (In-Person Only)
This year's venue has multiple paved, low incline, accessible ramps into the building as well as an elevator to access all floors. The venue floor is a smooth surface using a combination of concret and carpet. Bathrooms are "all gendered" and there is also a "single-use" restroom to accomodate and array of modalities and body sizes. If any additional assistance is needed while at the festival, our volunteers are more than happy to help.
