Jon Kay

Jon Kay is an associate professor of folklore at Indiana University, where he directs Traditional Arts Indiana, Indiana’s folk and traditional arts program. A public scholar, Kay curates exhibitions, develops programs, and produces documentaries. A leader in arts and aging, Kay is the author of several books and articles about traditional arts and creative aging. He frequently speaks about creativity in later life and has advised on a range of arts and aging initiatives. In his role at Traditional Arts Indiana, Kay oversees a statewide apprenticeship program, manages Indiana’s Heritage Fellowships, and mentors students. He received Indiana University’s Mary Burgan Distinguished Service Award in 2023 and an IU Bicentennial Medal in 2020.