The Open Space for Arts & Community will launch a new program called “Lit Lounge” at 4 p.m. Sunday.

The brainchild of islander Cara Briskman, Lit Lounge was inspired by similar events in other parts of the country and by programs like The Moth Radio Hour on NPR.

Briskman worked with Maria Glanz at the Open Space to craft this storytelling program, hoping to honor the ancient art of storytelling as a way of gathering community, making sense of one’s life and sharing that with others.

Islanders are invited to bring to the event a three- to five-minute story, with the theme of something being new. That something could be a new car, a new job, new love, new child, new look on life, new pair of shoes, new haircut, new experience — whatever “new” means to the storyteller.

People who bring a story will be asked to drop their name in a hat at the door when they enter. Names will be drawn as the event unfolds. People whose names are drawn will have the chance to tell their stories on stage. Between 10 to 12 names will be drawn.

More Lit Lounge installments will occur later in the spring, summer and fall, with different themes for each event.

The first installment on Sunday will introduce islanders to the new format of storytelling. Event organizers hope that the storytelling may end up revealing new truths about islanders, their friends and neighbors.

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 4 p.m. Admission is $10, and tickets are on sale at Vashon Bookshop, www.brownpapertickets.com and at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

All ages are welcome, but the event is not intended for children. Stories may include mature language or themes.

Lit Lounge is supported in part by a grant from King County 4Culture.