“Community” is a potent, yet overused word, meaning dramatically different things to different people. Similarly, it can be hard to see the extent to which visual culture—the media, images, art, and memes around us—is the way we know our “communities,” and how that visual work might play a creative and productive role in social change.

“What's at Stake?” focuses on the intersection of visual culture and the complex and contradictory notions of community. Join us for conversations with artists, community organizers, cultural organizations, public agencies, and the general public about how visual culture plays a role in defining community, helping community members to understand themselves and define or redefine who is included or excluded from “community.” In a lively and wide-ranging conversation, we will seek to pose probing questions about the role of visual cultural practice in the everyday life of communities.

Confirmed speakers, facilitators, and participating organizations include:

Nicholas Mirzoeff, Ruth Sergel, Stephanie Dinkins, Chinatown Art Brigade, The Point, the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Kemi Ilesanmi, the Laundromat Project, Emily Raboteau, Laura Y. Liu, Erin Barnett, Kristen Lubben, Danielle Jackson, Quito Ziegler, Bayeté Ross Smith, Amin Husain, Nitasha Dhillon, Adam Melaney, Shana Agid, and Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani.

*What does community look like to you? The symposium will include a group breakout session where you can share an image that conveys what community means to you. When you register to attend the symposium, we will provide instructions on how to select and upload an image.

Reception to follow from 5:30 to 7 PM.

Hosted by the International Center of Photography and The New School. 

ICP’s Center for Visual Culture and accompanying programs have been made possible through the generous support of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Additional support for public programs has been provided by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

TOP IMAGE: © International Center of Photography. Photo by Jacque Donaldson.