"Marriage Is..." is an interactive exhibit that educates viewers about the problem of forced marriage in the United States. This exhibit is meant to lead viewers through a story, create empathy, and change their expectations and assumptions surrounding marriage. The exhibit was limited to a 10' x 10' space, and is envisioned within the entrance of a large educational institution, like the New York Public Library. The exhibit is designed for an educated audience ranging from young adults to elders, who will be able to bring their own experience of intimate relationships to their understanding of the topic.
After the initial chalkboard, the viewer enters a short corridor that introduces them to a hypothetical victim of forced marriage. The story is written in second person, to create greater empathy within the viewer. As the viewer explores the space, the story of the victim travels with them and teaches the viewer about what communities may be vulnerable to forced marriage, and how vulnerable populations are found in such a situation.
After the viewer progresses through the story, they encounter facts and statistics about forced marriage in the United States. Then, they enter into a space of change, walking through a plastic barrier (not pictured). This barrier is lettered with the phrase "Marriage can be forced," to further emphasize the key takeaway from this exhibit. In the change-making space, the viewer is able to contribute to the "Future of marriage" chalkboard, which asks the viewer to contemplate what marriage may look like in the future. The viewer can take stickers and paper flyers that offer ways they can create change in their own communities. The paper takeaways are styled as wedding invitations, but use brighter colors to grab attention outside of the exhibit space. The exhibit would partner with the organization Unchained At Last, which advocates for victims of forced marriage in the United States.
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