One human at a time, the photographer behind the Humans of New York project has captured the heartfelt stories and images of New Yorkers in the midst of homelessness, mending marriages and happy childhoods.
And now, work inspired by that project is coming to Grand Forks.
Organizers behind We Are Grand Forks announced Thursday they plan to launch their own similar project Friday evening at the Alley Alive festival, focused on telling the stories of residents in the Grand Forks community. A statement issued about the project brims with the Humans of New York website's intimate aesthetic: "What is your dream in life?" it begins. "What has been your greatest struggle? What are you most afraid of?"
Natasha Thomas, chairwoman of North Dakotans for Diversity and Compassion, said the idea came out of conversations between her and Nicole Derenne, coordinator of the Public Arts Commission, along with other community leaders. The project brings together a photographer, journalist and graphic art designer-funded with a $10,800 grant awarded through the Community Foundation-to tell the stories of residents, with photos and stories posted on the web, social media and around the community.
"I hope this gets people talking about how diverse Grand Forks is," Thomas said, explaining that the project helps shed light on the everyday experiences of local residents-"The things that bring them to the community, that make them want to stay in the community." It's a project about building community bonds, she said.
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Project staff will be on hand at the Alley Alive festival on Friday in the pocket park at 21 S. Fourth St., with guests welcome to stop by between 5 and 7 p.m. Participation is free, and images "will be displayed without names or other identifying information," the group said.
Involved with the project include former Herald journalist Chuck Haga, photographer Erin Phillips and graphic designer Eller Bonifacio. Numerous local groups support or are involved in the project, including many member groups with the Grand Cities Inclusion Alliance, which Thomas' group is part of.
According to a statement by We Are Grand Forks, photos and stories collected will be put on display on Facebook and online-similar to Humans of New York-with some on display in the community. Derenne suggested a collage at the Grand Forks International Airport as a potential location.
"We are going for, 'What is our regional identity?' " Derenne explained.
