I’m seeking short video submissions (up to 7 minutes) from Vietnamese American refugees and their descendants from anywhere in the U.S. for an interactive installation in my art exhibition. The installation will feature stories of Vietnamese Americans reflecting on their family’s refugee experience. I understand this is a sensitive topic and welcome submissions from refugees themselves or their children and grandchildren willing to share their family’s story on their behalf. Submissions can include personal journeys, the experience of resettling in America, the impact on later generations, tributes to lost loved ones who tried to leave, or non-verbal storytelling through family photos. This is an open space for all Vietnamese American perspectives about the war and refugee experience, even from those who did not experience the journey firsthand.

The exhibition will be in the Detroit area at the Annex Gallery at 333 Midland. I’m seeking additional venues across the country, especially in cities with large Vietnamese populations. If you know a gallery or space that might be interested in hosting the exhibition, please contact me at hello@linhcreates.art.

As a second-generation Vietnamese American, hearing stories of Vietnam and my family’s journey to America helped me feel connected to my roots, especially when I felt out of place. As my parents age and memories fade, I’m driven to document our history before it’s lost. With the 50th anniversary approaching, it’s a crucial time to honor our elders’ experiences while they can still share them. My exhibition aims to inspire Vietnamese people to explore their own family’s refugee stories, preserving them for future generations. This interactive installation will create space for different generations of Vietnamese Americans to reflect on their family’s experience and share how it’s impacted their lives.

Recording your story can be as simple as using your phone for video and audio, though you can add microphones or a camera if you’d like. I won’t edit the videos beyond adding family photos (if submitted) and subtitles if necessary. The videos will be shown publicly in the art exhibition and optionally in an online archive (you can opt out in the submission form). You’ll be credited in the video, exhibition program, and on my website. Your family’s story is yours—I fully respect your rights, and you can withdraw permission anytime by emailing hello@linhcreates.art.

If you choose to engage with family members about their experience, starting the conversation is often the hardest part, so I’ve created a Guide on How to Facilitate Conversations as a free download to help you navigate this process. The guide includes helpful tips using a trauma-informed approach, example questions in English and Vietnamese, resources on Vietnamese oral histories and cultural museums, and suggestions of different media to explore the Vietnamese refugee story.

Credits & Acknowledgements: This guide was created and edited by Linh My Truong, Don Hua, Selena Tran, and Henry Duong. Please share and edit this guide freely. Thank you for the courage to have these conversations with your family!