Cristina Benedetti

Dr. Cristina Benedetti recently completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Studies at Ohio State with a specialization in Folklore and research interests including public space and public gatherings, alternative economies and volunteerism, the politics of performance, and logistics and infrastructures.  In 2018-19 she will serve as the public folklorist and instructional specialist for the Ohio Field Schools course and the Center's "Placemaking in Scioto County, Ohio" traveling exhibit.

During her graduate work Dr. Benedetti worked as a board and staff member for Opera Project Columbus, an arts nonprofit that stages locally-produced operas performed by central Ohio musicians.  From 2011-2018 she held various administrative and production positions, including Board President and Treasurer, grants writer, social media and marketing manager, translator and titles operator, fundraiser, and costumer. In her role as a guiding member of the organization, she helped produce operatic performances that were exciting and accessible for contemporary audiences, including using public and private funding to help keep ticket prices affordable.