THE PROCESS
Sharing your story is a really vulnerable experience. We totally get that! So we aim to make the whole process as collaborative and supportive as possible by breaking down each step so you know what to expect. Still nervous? Don't worry. We’ve gotchu.
THE APPLICATION
Storytellers are the heart of this whole project, so it’s really important that they are as excited to share as we are to celebrate their stories. The most common path for a storyteller is to be invited to apply by RFL staff or collaborators. But anyone can apply! The application just helps RFL to curate the experience, while also ensuring the teller is invested in the process and informed.
THE INTERVIEW
Once an application is reviewed and accepted, the storyteller is scheduled for a recording session in a professional podcasting studio. During the 1 hour recording session, storytellers are interviewed by a member of the RFL staff about their lives and the items they chose to bring.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
Following the interview, the storyteller will be scheduled for a photoshoot in our studio! Tellers are encouraged to wear the clothes that make them feel most like themselves, and to bring a few personal objects, projects, or anything with them that connects them to themselves and their stories.
THE EDITING
Once the photoshoot and interview are complete, the RFL team selects and edits a final image to be sent to print on an 8x8 fabric panel. The audio files are reviewed and edited for time and format, then added to the RFL library complete with links and QR codes for public access.
THE INSTALLATION
Once the final image arrives, the RFL team assembles the lightbox - the 8'x8' frame for each portrait which includes interior lighting that gives the image the feeling of being "lit from within".
After the structure is complete, the team brings in the corresponding supplemental components to feature the audio files and additional items of the storytellers choosing to create a museum-style interactive art piece.
THE EVENT
Once the lightbox exists it becomes part of the RFL story library and is ready for public display. All of our events are centered on increasing awareness and celebrating the multifaceted stories of our participants.
RFL lightboxes have popped up in places like libraries, health centers, community health events, universities, and more!
Hey you! Interested in sharing your story with us? Just fill out the application below.
Just so you know friend, this process requires a lot of dedication and we can only tell so many stories at a time due to funding and human capacity. Please know that if you apply we may not be able to feature you immediately. But this has no reflection on the merit, beauty or impact of your story!
Sound good? Then get to story telling!
YOU IN?!
