Last October, NARM received an email from filmmaker Brett Lupfer. He wrote:
“I recently finished a short documentary project for Sudbury Valley Trustees, a land conservation group. I had so much fun filming and editing that piece about their network of properties—it reminded me how much I love making content around places and communities I care about.
That got me thinking about my favorite networks, and NARM immediately came to mind. I bring my young boys to museums all the time—we always keep a membership at a NARM museum, and over the years we’ve visited NARM institutions all over the country. It’s such a powerful and inspiring program.
I’d love to explore the idea of creating a short (10–15 minute) mini-documentary about the NARM network—how it works, the experiences it makes possible, and the incredible diversity of museums it connects. I’d handle the travel, filming, editing, and interviews, with the goal of producing something NARM and its members could share.”
A new adventure was in the making. As we fleshed out the details of the project, we decided to let our new, biggest fan─Brett─select the institution that he would film. Living outside Boston, he has access to seventy-nine NARM institutions within fifty miles of home. The more he used the network, the more he became fascinated by the variety of experiences it offered and the unique stories behind each institution. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum video was created in cooperation with the Museum as a pilot project to explore whether video storytelling would explain the NARM program to interested individuals and to increase awareness of the remarkable institutions that make up the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association®. Rather than focusing solely on collections or exhibitions, these films aim to capture the feeling of visiting a place. What makes it memorable? What makes it distinct? Why should someone add it to their list the next time they travel? The Gardner Museum was a perfect place to start. It exemplifies something found throughout the NARM network: a unique and strong sense of identity, and serves as a powerful example of how individual institutions contribute to the richness and diversity of the larger NARM community.
As we moved forward, we became aware of the project's limitless potential. NARM could feature a cultural institution each year (possibly more) and offer the opportunity for individual institutions to work with Brett to create their own short film for their marketing and publicity. The videos demonstrate what is possible when great institutions, compelling stories, and the NARM network come together. If your institution is interested in participating in future storytelling projects or learning more about potential opportunities, contact us at info@narmassociation.org.
Many thanks to Brett Lupfer, for reaching out to us last October with your love of NARM and your beautiful vision,
and to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for sharing your wonderful story with us!
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