For great
public spaces
Our Story
STORYBOX is here to engage and connect with communities in public spaces.
Our physical STORYBOX integrates digital and physical spaces in novel ways. We want to give more people - creatives, storytellers, and community members and leaders - the space to exhibit and connect with others in public spaces.
We call what we do 'public space media'. By promoting inclusive storytelling and creative engagement, we want to elevate the potential for digital, outdoor programming to promote a sense of place and community.
We're driven by passion for digital innovation, and what it means for the new cultural experiences outdoors. Working collaboratively with communities, cultural institutions and creatives, our STORYBOX shares stories and insights that reflect the diversity and uniqueness of a place. We call these 'portals into place'.
We're also motivated by key trends disrupting the world of outdoor media. These trends, we think, provide the opportunity for more diverse outdoor programming than we've seen before.
We think diversity in communities should be celebrated. In a world of social media platforms, STORYBOX aims to be an inclusive space for insights and perspective that create meaningful connection, not just connection for the sake of it.
What's public space media?
Public space media is about supporting public spaces as shared spaces for local culture and creativity.
It's also about making the most of digital innovation for public spaces. In fact, we think digital experiences outdoors should be much more than advertising billboards.
We think new digital screen networks can showcase more relevant and engaging content, in ways that support the quality and experience of a place and its creativity.
That's what we call public space media.
Public space media is likely to be experienced by audiences in a transitory way. It's designed to enhance the overall amenity and shared experience of a place. It is not television. It exists exists somewhere between architecture and media. It should enhance, not diminish, what is unique about shared spaces and diverse communities.
Our partnerships
STORYBOX curates and produces content through not-for-profit partnerships. Our sponsorship and partnership packages support a range of curatorial and creative initiatives designed to support local creative and engagement campaigns.
We're thrilled the ABC has joined us as an Anchor Content Partner for our launch program in Parramatta. The ABC is one of Australia's public service broadcasters, and for many decades has existed as a kind of 'town square' of public life in Australia. We think they have a role to play in facilitating new public space media opportunities across Australia's changing precincts and places.
As media continues to become more and more integrated into the life and experience of public spaces, via mobile and immersive media platforms, there are unique opportunities to engage creatively with audiences.
Learn more about our STORYBOX Partnerships.
Who's behind STORYBOX?
STORYBOX is led by ESEM Projects, a design practice who work with with communities in public spaces.
Founder, Dr. Sarah Barns, is someone passionate about what digital innovation means for our cities, and creates public interest projects and platforms in service of better places.
STORYBOX has been a labour of love for many years-in-the-making, inspired by many ideas, projects and conversations about working differently in public spaces. We can't thank our supporters, partners and advisers enough for joining us on this journey.
If you'd like to stay in touch and hear more about STORYBOX news, please do follow us on Instagram. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to hear more stories and insights about the people and the places we're featuring on the BOX.
