Rachel Reynolds is a folklorist, fiddler, and community-based cultural organizer from Stone County, Arkansas, who uses culture as a tool for empowerment and transformation. As Founder and Principal of Cultural Continuum Consulting, she leads initiatives designed to foster sustainable and equitable rural futures through the intersection of art, culture, and community engagement. Rachel’s work is rooted in deep listening and collaboration, prioritizing the voices of underserved populations and encouraging community ownership of public spaces and cultural narratives.

Her projects often begin with fieldwork and facilitated dialogue, allowing the community to shape outcomes organically. From co-creating public art and music festivals to establishing resource hubs like The People’s Library, her initiatives have redefined how rural communities access art and address social issues. Rachel’s innovative approach blends her expertise as a trained folklorist with her lived experience, which began in Mountain View, Arkansas, the “folk music capital of the world.”

Over the years, Rachel has been instrumental in bridging socioeconomic and cultural divides through her work with organizations like the Artist’s Laboratory Theatre and initiatives like the Oregon County Food Producers and Artisans Co-Op. She was also a guest curator for the 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a role that allowed her to elevate the diverse stories of the Ozarks.

Rachel’s work has garnered national attention, featured in outlets like NPR and Mother Earth News and has been awarded recognition from National Arts Strategies, The Southern Foodways Alliance, the Arkansas Arts Council, the American Folklore Society, and The Emerson Collective among others. She continues to push boundaries, blending art and community development to create vibrant, resilient rural futures.