Inside Out Project: Spreading Untold Stories Through Art
Imagine a world where walls transform into canvases, and everyday people become art. This is the essence of the Inside Out, a global participatory art project that empowers communities to share their stories and advocate for change.
Launched in 2011, the project has become a powerful platform for self-expression and social awareness. Here's what makes it unique:
Turning Faces into Voices
The project uses large-scale black and white portraits as its artistic language. All you have to do to participate is gather a group of fifty people or more who stand behind a common message. Participants submit their portraits through the Inside Out website, accompanied by powerful statements reflecting their identities, hopes, and struggles.
These portraits are then printed out as larger-than-life posters and displayed prominently in public spaces, transforming walls into a mosaic of human experiences.
A Global Movement, Locally Rooted
The beauty of the Inside Out Project lies in its global reach and local impact. Since its inception, over 500,000 participants from 152 countries have participated, creating over 2,600 "Actions" – community-driven installations that tackle a wide range of issues.
From promoting diversity and inclusion to advocating for children's rights and environmental protection, these Actions spark conversations and inspire change within communities.
Empowering Participation
The project prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. Anyone can contribute, regardless of artistic background. The project offers online tools and resources to help individuals and groups organize their own "Actions," giving a voice to marginalized communities and those often unheard.
It even has an Education Program that supports educators and students to create Actions that amplify the voices of young people.
A Lasting Legacy
The project's impact extends beyond the temporary installations. These displays are documented and shared online, creating a permanent digital archive that captures the global spirit of the movement and serves as a source of inspiration for future generations.
By giving everyday people a platform to share their stories, the project fosters understanding, sparks dialogue, and empowers communities to create a more inclusive and just world.
A Tapestry of Actions: Voices from Around the World
The diversity of the Inside Out Project's "Actions" is a testament to its power as a platform for global dialogue. Here are a few glimpses into the project's reach and impact:
Never Forgetting: Fighting for Justice in Caracas, Venezuela (2011)
The Venezuelan capital, Caracas, became a canvas for a powerful call for justice. Portraits of 312 mothers who had lost children to violence were displayed across the city. This installation not only honored the victims but also sparked conversations about social violence and the need for accountability.
Inside Out Group Action, “Never Forgetting,” Group Leader: Carolina Gonzalez, Caracas, Venezuela, 2011
WE SEE: Children Witnessing Abuse in Georgetown, Guyana (2012)
In Guyana, a community participating in the Inside Out Project tackled a difficult but crucial topic – domestic violence. Over 600 portraits of children and adults were pasted on buildings, serving as a stark reminder of the issue's prevalence and the need for protection.
Inside Out Group Action, “WE SEE,” Group Leader: Nancy Stevenson, Georgetown, Guyana, 2012
Cuidar a quienes cuidan: Dedicated to Caregivers, San Salvador de Juyuy, Argentina (2021)
Deep in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, a community turned its lens to a group deserving of recognition: caregivers. Their "Cuidar a Quienes Cuidan" (Care for Those Who Care) Action showcased portraits of dedicated nurses, social workers, and everyday heroes who provide essential support to others.
Inside Out Group Action, “Cuidar a quienes cuidan,” Group Leader: Manuel Castro, San Salvador de Jujuy, 2021
Ora tocca a voi: Celebrating the Elderly Isolated in RSAs During the COVID Pandemic, Milan, Italy (2023)
Born from the harsh realities of the pandemic, the project acknowledges the isolation faced by older adults in nursing homes (RSAs) and celebrates their enduring contributions to society.
Large-scale photo portraits of these very same elders adorned the walls of Milan's iconic Museo del Novecento and the Secondo Arengario in Piazza del Duomo. Over 1,000 portraits cover more than 700 square meters, transforming these historic buildings into a breathtaking canvas honoring the most vulnerable amongst us during the pandemic..
The story behind the portraits themselves adds another layer of depth. Young photography students from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts spent six months traveling to 40 RSAs across Italy, forging connections and documenting these elders' stories through their lenses.
The project extends beyond the city center. Volunteers from the RSAs and Milanese citizens participated in a "sticking action," placing portraits around two suburban RSAs which participated in the project.
This act reclaims their neighborhoods and reaffirms the elders' place as valued members of the community.
Inside Out Group Action “Ora Tocca A Voi,” Photographer: Cosmo Laera, Milan, Italy, 2023
Be Part of the Movement
The Inside Out Project's strength lies in its accessibility. Anyone can participate, regardless of artistic background. The project's website provides resources and guidance to help individuals and groups organize their own "Actions." Whether it's raising awareness about climate change, promoting LGBTQ+ rights, or simply celebrating the diversity of your neighborhood, the Inside Out Project offers a powerful tool to spark conversations and inspire change.
Join the movement. Share your story. Be the art. The Inside Out Project awaits.
3Inside Out Group Action “Women of India,” Group Leader: Swappa Maini, Haryana, India, 2015
8Inside Out Photobooth Action in Times Square, © Inside Out Project, New York City, New York,USA, 2013Inside Out Photobooth Action “11M,”Photographer: Joshua Geyer, Tucson, Arizona, USA,2021
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Together, we can reach for the stars and make the impossible possible.
