ISYSM FAQ

I’m interested in ISYSM. Can I participate?

We work with folks who are 18 years of age or older who live within the intersections of disability, chronic illness, mental illness, neurodivergence, and LGBTQ+ and/or enby/nonbinary identity. If this sounds like you, please look for our Open Call button located at the top right hand corner of the navigation bar. If you don’t see one, stay tuned!

What if if I’m not an artist?

Woof…this is a big question that only you get to determine! Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your own creativity through our program.

What if I’ve never touched a camera before?

While it will benefit you to have experience with film or digital photography, it is not required. riel and Bianca will walk you through what you need to know to participate in this project.

What does collaboration look like in ISYSM?

Through formal collaborative portraits, riel meets with each participant in favored public park or city alley. Parks and alleys are often filled with desire paths act as fluid, connective, often remapped systems that bridge disparate parts of the city together. During portrait sessions, each participant collaborates on location, composition, and attitude. riel helps set up your vision so images are technically proficient, and hands off the cable release. Through these sessions, you create collaborative self-portraits that are meaningful to you and within your agency. 

Do I have to participate in all of the meetings and the collaborative portrait session?

While we understand life happens and unexpected circumstances may change your ability to attend meetings, it is important that you are able to prioritize attending all workshops, crit sessions, and our collaborative portrait session. Sessions will be recorded for internal use should you miss a meeting.

How long are sessions?

Currently, ISYSM is operating in ~3-month-long sessions with small groups of 4-6 individuals. Throughout sessions you can anticipate 8-12 meetings that are 1-2 hours each (with breaks).

Are sessions Online or in person?

Due to safety concerns around COVID and importance of accessibility all sessions will be held online until otherwise noted. Portrait sessions are an exception, and those happen in person.

In what ways is ISYSM accessible?

• We offer all materials required to make images (35mm cameras, film, the cost of film processing)

• We hold meetings online with live captions available. If you need an ASL interpreter or another type of accommodation please let us know.

• We reimburse the cost of in-city travel for portrait sessions as well as dropping off or shipping your film to the lab

• We publish work Online

• We use accessiBe, the round icon you can find at the bottom right of the screen, which turns our website into more navigable interface

How can I get in touch with you?

Send us an email at contact@begincollective.com and we will do our best to get back to you within 1-3 business days.