Overview
“The Divides project is not only about the art that results, but about the transformative process of engaging people in the act of creating, questioning, and connecting. The process itself is part of the art.”
The Divides Project is an initiative that explores what disconnects us—as individuals, as a community, and as global citizens — and how art & dialogue can transform divides into opportunities for deeper connection.
The initiative is being led by Anne D’Urso-Rose and Ose Schwab, who have decades of experience leading multidisciplinary projects that bring together community at the intersection of media, art, dialogue and civic engagement.
We welcome your interest and participation. Check out our growing list of resources (below) and feel free to share your favorite relevant resources on this topic. You can also complete the survey (below) to offer your thoughts and insights. Email us at ose@artfulwebs.com or anne@artfulwebs.com to learn more, have a conversation, and/or be part of this evolving initiative.
This project is a response to both pain and possibility. What if we could better understand not only the issues around us, but also each other? What if our frame of vision could be lifted beyond our everyday paths? A key part of this project is reflection on divisions: their nature, origins, strategies for navigating, and the role arts can play in bridging them. What will meaningfully engage our broader community? How might one conversation, one new insight, or one initiative help bridge the divides that make us less capable of solving shared problems?
In its first year, the project has consisted of a series of smaller events exploring the nature of social division and what can be done about it. The gatherings have drawn insights from the community as to how best to tackle the unnecessary and destructive division that affects us, also exploring the role of art as a way to melt walls. Special thank you to the Malden Cultural Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, for the support for programs in 2026.
The project will continue into 2027. Further details about gatherings and programs forthcoming.
Project Updates
What Divides Us, What Connects Us: Notes from the Divides Project at Idle Hands (Part 2)
The Forces Driving Division (Part 1 of 2)
The Space Between Us: From Conversation to Practice
Coming Events
Resources
The following “padlet” includes other initiatives, examples, tools, science etc related to division in society. If you have a resource to share, feel free to do so. No need for a padlet account.
