"WE ARE: A Nation of Immigrants"
"WE ARE: A Nation of Immigrants — New Haven," the latest in a series of monumental public art installations created by photographer Joe Standart, was on display on the historic Green in Downtown New Haven, Connecticut during the spring and summer of 2018.
This Portrait of America™ project builds on the success of earlier public art and community engagement initiatives in Hartford and New London. The installation consisted of large-scale (25 foot high) dignified portraits of recent refugees and immigrants attached to the exterior walls of the three Churches on the Green and in other New Haven venues. The spring 2018 opening coincided with the 380th Anniversary of the founding of New Haven and celebrated spring’s resurgence on the Green. The exhibit was throughout graduation ceremonies and was closely aligned with the themes of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, International Refugee Day and Independence Day. The Exhibit ran through August 15, 2018.
Portrait of America™ draws on the power of the arts to stimulate awareness, overcome indifference, and encourage people to build a respectful, multicultural society. Through murals and stories, "WE ARE" highlights the inner dignity each individual possesses, transcending politics and shifting the conversation about immigrant, dreamer, refugee and citizen identities. We hope the project has engendered a desire for deeper understanding and an enthusiasm for equality.