In our words, in our community

In our words, in our community is a collaborative, public arts and humanities exhibit created by Vermont Folklife and photographer Macaulay Lerman, in partnership with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, that amplifies the voices of our neighbors experiencing the complex dynamics of homelessness, food insecurity, and economic challenges. This exhibit is guided by direct input from a group of Vermonters and the social service workers who aim to address their daily needs. 

In our words, in our community opens a window into the wide range of lived experiences in our region. 


Click images below to learn more.


Vermont has the second-highest per capita rate of people experiencing homelessness in the United States. This statistic reflects a painful and difficult fact–as Vermonters we all face economic injustice because we are one community. None of us succeed until we all succeed. Through In our words, in our community we work to challenge well-worn narratives about poverty, and to foster a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of those who are often overlooked.

The work that underlies the exhibit is rooted in the research practice of collaborative ethnography, a method that engages the individuals whose lives are being documented in both shaping the research process and in determining how their experiences are shared with the public. Through this process the people featured throughout In our words, in our community have guided how their voices and portraits are presented.

Exhibit Schedule


Burlington
Saturday, May 13, 2023
11:00AM – 3:00PM
City Hall Park

St. Albans
Saturday, June 10, 2023
11:00AM – 4:00PM
Taylor Park

Middlebury
Thursday, July 20, 2023
3:30PM – 7:30PM
Middlebury Town Green

Swanton
Sunday, August 20, 2023
10:00AM – 2:00PM
Village Green Park

Alburgh
Friday, September 15, 2023
1:00PM – 6:00PM
Alburgh Public Library

Burlington
Friday, October 13, 2023
11:00AM – 2:00PM
Champlain Street Park

Burlington
Saturday, October 21, 2023
4:00PM – 6:30PM
UVM Fleming Museum of Art