Experiencing the forgotten

A public exhibition educating people on what it means to experience homelessness.

A black sign with a red heart in front of high-rise buildings and red fall treeswith white text "we have to start seeing people as going through problems instead of seeing people as problems" by Terence Lester, Love Beyond Walls

  • Exhibit design

  • Love Beyond walls and the Center for Civil and Human Rights

  • Atlanta, GA

  • Designers and Art Director

What does it mean to experience homelessness?

Depending on your experience and knowledge, the answer will differ. Sometimes, our misconceptions and biases keep us from connecting and supporting people who are living on the margins. To break down some of their barriers, we created Experience the Forgotten – a free and public outdoor exhibit educating people on what it means to experience homelessness. The exhibit built on our shared humanity and builds empathy by highlighting stories from people with lived experiences. The exhibit invited the community to join in a dialogue on homelessness and explore ways to support the needs of some of America’s “forgotten” population.

The exhibit was featured outside The Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA in 2019.

Sign with a person laying under a cardboard sheet with red and white text saying "A recent job loss is the most common reason people say they became homeless.".
black and red sign that asks "what would you write on a cardboard sign?
Text of someone sleeping outdoors with the text, "a place to rest. Nearly one million people in the U.S. are homeless. Stairs in the background. "
Signs with buildings in the background. The sun shines. The sign states "Is it wrong for homeless individuals to have preferences"

Public Art that connects

The exhibition was intentionally outdoor and free for all to engage with. The use of public art helps reach more people and bridge the gap between different communities.

many signs educating people about homelessness with red and orange trees in the background. Signs talks about homelessness, food and water, and asks what you would write on a cardboard sign.
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