Looking for America: A For Freedoms 50 State Initiative

This summer, the NBMAA launched a community-wide call for submissions, for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in our crowd-sourced exhibition entitled Looking for America. This unique project—inspired by the notion that art can inspire dialogue and engagement across community, city, state, and even national borders—invited members of the public to each submit one photograph that conveyed what America meant to them. What has resulted is a kaleidoscope of photographs that represents myriad perspectives on America’s values, people, history, past, and future. While some images address current social and political events, others capture well-known American landmarks or figures, or convey personal experiences and observations of American citizens. As a whole, Looking for America reflects a nation that is diverse, complex, and ever-evolving.

Looking for America is part of a non-partisan 50 State Initiative organized by For Freedoms, a collective founded in 2016 by contemporary artists Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman. Active from September through November 2018, the initiative will involve hundreds of American artists and art institutions to spark a national dialogue about art, community engagement, and politics. Through participatory programs and exhibitions, created and presented locally, this nationwide campaign is conceived to unite us in reflecting upon what it means to be an American.

Join us for the celebratory reception Thursday, November 15, 5:30-7 p.m.
Free with Museum admission.