Digital Folklife Lab

The Digital Folklife Lab (DFL) supports traditional artists by giving them the tools, skills, and knowledge to share their work via digital means, at no cost. The DFL is comprised of audiovisual/sound equipment, editing software, and technical training available for free to traditional artists in Montgomery County. Artists can use the DFL to livestream a performance, take professional photographs, and record a podcast, among many other uses. The goal of the DFL is to empower artists to use technology to advance their careers, sustain their traditions, and support their communities.

Supporting

We offer fifteen hours of free technical support to artists working with the Digital Folklife Lab. You can use this time to learn how to edit a song, set up a photo shoot, or to learn a new piece of equipment. Training is provided by rob Hinkal—a musician and technical guru—who can walk you through each step toward your next digital project. 

Equipment 

The DFL’s equipment and software has been designed by traditional artists, for traditional artists. Click here to see an itemized list of the equipment offered by the Digital Folklife Lab.

Accessing the Digital Folklife Lab: Options for Engagement

Use DFL's Equipment: Access our audiovisual and sound equipment, and editing software for your digital projects.

Equipment Use with Training: Get hands-on training along with equipment use to enhance your digital creation skills.

Professional Media Production Service with Shared Stewardship: Opt for professional media production service, where the museum provides a contracted photographer or videographer for your project. In this option, the copyright is retained by the Museum. However, through the shared stewardship model, you will have complete access to the materials. You can also engage in discussions with us to negotiate the scope and limitations of content usage. This approach is designed to ensure that the management of cultural content is conducted respectfully and effectively, honoring both the Museum's and the artist's contributions and rights. Apply here, or get in touch with our project contact Wenhong Luo to explore how we can support you.

FAQs

  • The DFL is located at the Museum. It will be housed permanently in the new Cultural Heritage Hub.

  • Yes, the Digital Folklife Lab is open to any traditional artist in Montgomery County, no matter your skill level.

  • The Digital Folklife Lab is generously funded through support from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the Maryland State Arts Council, and generous private donors. To make a donation to support this work, CLICK HERE.

  • Yes. When possible, include a logo for Sandy Spring Museum, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County in your video and text-based productions. In your audio work, a spoken recognition of these organizations is acceptable.

  • At this time, it is not permitted to take DFL equipment out of the Museum.

  • When using the Digital Folklife Lab, the ownership of content and intellectual property depends on your chosen engagement option:

    Do It Yourself: If you use only the equipment and training provided by the Museum, you retain the copyright for all content you create. You are also solely responsible for any content created, including the need to clear protections for the use of copyrighted materials.

    Professional Media Production Service with Shared Stewardship: If you use the Museum-contracted photographer or videographer, the Museum retains the copyrights. However, under the shared stewardship model, you will still have full access to the materials and the opportunity to negotiate the scope and limitations of content usage with the Museum.

  • Staff and contractors can assist you in uploading and storing your files on a password-protected external hard drive. All project materials will be stored on the hard drive for one-year following the completion of your Digital Folklife Lab project. After one-year, only final products created with the Digital Folklife Lab will be saved. Final products may be used, with permission, to promote the Digital Folklife Lab and in grant applications.