Viva Farms Digital Storytelling Project

The Viva Farms Digital Storytelling Project is a collaboration between the Washington State University Department of English and the WSU Skagit County Extension office. The project was created in response to the Washington State University Grand Challenge: Opportunity and Equity, which promotes an informed and equitable society, expands individual opportunity, and advances social justice.

 

In 2016 and 2017, six students in the Digital Technolgy and Culture degree program spent one week at Viva Farms in Burlington, Washington, interviewing farmers and capturing their unique stories in video and audio, then editing their footage to make meaningful, engaging films. We also designed web sites, logos, and other business documents for the participating farmers.

 

The result is a collection of short, student-made documentaries that describe the mission and day-to-day operation of Viva Farms---a farming incubator, and the farmers who are undertaking the challenge of learning farming and eventually becoming farm owners.

 

We deeply appreciate the help and encouragement we've received from the Washington State University Department of English, especially our department chair Todd Butler. Thanks to The WSU Skagit County Extension Office faculty and staff: Don McMoran and Kate Selting Smith. Thank you to the Viva Farms managers and staff: Rob Smith, Michael Frazier, and Maricio Sato.