This year's Picturing a New Life in Chicago exhibit, created by photographers in the Forced Migration Photovoice Project, is on display October 25, 2024 to January 31, 2025 at Sulzer Regional Library.
The exhibit features stories and photographs from 10 photographers who were forced to flee their home countries because of war, persecution or violence. They share their photos and inspiring stories about adjusting to a new life in Chicago.
The photographers created this exhibit using photovoice, a participatory research methodology. They took pictures over the course of a six-week period and met in small groups at Sulzer Regional Library to discuss them. At the end of the project, they selected one of their images and wrote a story about it.
The Forced Migration Photovoice Project began in 2013 and is ongoing. The images and stories are archived in the Northside Neighborhood History Collection at Sulzer Regional Library, which houses records of immigrants to the area since the 1870s. The Forced Migration Photovoice Project contributes to the history of migration to Chicago by offering documentation from contemporary residents who represent over 25 different countries.
Check out selections from past exhibits in this online exhibit.
This project is a partnership with Heartland Alliance International, Marjorie Kovler Center, Heartland Human Care Services and Chicago Public Library. It is generously funded by the Hoellen Family Foundation through the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
