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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Williams, Loretta. December, 1986. - AN ETHNIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL: A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE CITY OF TAMPA, FLORIDA
Abstract: This thesis describes research conducted for the City of Tampa, Florida, to determine the feasibility of developing an ethnic heritage festival on the Franklin Street Mall in downtown Tampa. In conjunction with new theoretical advances in the understanding of ethnicity, as well as a shift in U.S. social policy from goals of assimilationism to emphasis on cultural pluralism, a heightened awareness of the importance of cultural conservation has developed. The festival, traditionally a cultural expression of celebration, is now viewed as a vehicle utilizing the celebratory format to promote cultural preservation and encouragement. In urban environments, an ethnic heritage festival may alleviate social tensions while at the same time recognize the unique contributions of each ethnic group in the history and development of the city. The Franklin Street Mall is a six block pedestrian mall located in the downtown business district of Tampa. The Franklin Street Mall Administration is a city agency which oversees the daily operations and event programming on the mall. The applied anthropologist served as a participant observer in the Mall office to determine the feasibility of an ethnic heritage festival in terms of the Franklin Street Mall's administrative structure and operational rules and regulations. In addition, formally organized ethnic associations and clubs, representative of Tampa's ethnic populations, were located and assessed as to their interests and abilities in participating in an ethnic festival accorded to Mall guidelines. The research methods consisted of participant observation and key informant interviewing, as well as a pilot project, a public opinion survey, and the administration of questionnaires and follow-up telephone interviews. The research results generated suggestions and conclusions concerning the development of an ethnic heritage festival on the Franklin Street Mall. A four phase plan of festival development is proposed based on the results and conclusions of the research.
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