Unpack meaningful stories of refugee and immigrant life in your community.
Today, people relocate and travel internationally more than at any other time in history. Whether while at home or abroad, how we view and understand diverse backgrounds is profoundly influenced by the stories we hear from neighbors, relatives, and colleagues, as well as our own interactions with people from around the world.
Suitcase Stories® provides a unique way for a community to explore migration through the art of storytelling and foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.
Suitcase Stories® invites U.S.- and foreign-born residents to develop and share meaningful personal experiences of migration and cross-cultural exchange with others—from large audiences to small groups—of all ages.
Everyone has a Suitcase story. Unpack stories in your community with Stellar.
Suitcase Stories Programs
Suitcase Stories Live®—virtual or staged events
Our signature program features professional and emerging storytellers sharing personal stories with live audiences (in person or online). Storytellers include U.S.- and foreign-born residents from over 75 countries who address themes of belonging, culture, family, resettlement, and more.
Suitcase Stories® performances are hosted in partnership with arts organizations, businesses, faith institutions, libraries, NGOs, and schools. Showcases can focus on particular identity groups or topics and feature storytellers of all ages.
Suitcase Stories® Unpacked—To help people further “unpack” their personal migration stories and connect with neighbors of diverse backgrounds, Stellar offers ‘Suitcase Stories Unpacked, ‘a storytelling workshop series. The program can be offered independently or combined with a graduate showcase if desired.
Contact us to learn more.
Suitcase Stories® is a registered trademark of the International Institute of New England
“Participating in Suitcase Stories was a memorable experience because it was the first time I have shared my story on stage with other refugees and immigrants to make our voices heard, and to be an advocate for the voiceless.”
Biar Kon, Suitcase Storyteller and former Sudanese refugee
