Critical Explorations of Local Solutions: What Works
About the project
What Works blossomed from the belief that rigorous explorations of positive responses to social problems are equally essential as work that exposes and interrogates social injustices. In this current climate of increased sectarian conflict and rampant xenophobia, it is imperative to point to instances of people coming together. Critical perspectives on what works locally, in communities around the world, offer points of access for tackling issues of global relevance.
The Magnum Foundation What Works project brings together nine photographers from Iran, Ukraine, Slovenia, Syria, India, Ecuador, China, and the Philippines to explore tolerance through rigorous and creative visual narratives. Collectively, the projects address bridge-building amongst groups that might otherwise be in conflict.
What Works is a collective project created by members of Magnum Foundation’s network of regional photographers. The work has been exhibited at the Bronx Documentary Center in New York, Angkor Photo Festival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Vagabond Cafe in Kyiv, Ukraine, Glen Urquhart School in Gloucester, MA, and will debut at Appalshop in Whitesburg, NY and the Objectifs Gallery in Singapore in 2018.
Alexis is the project manager and curator for the project. She has worked with each of the participating photographers outside of this project through the Photography and Social Justice Fellowship.
Screening Toolkit
Exhibition at the Bronx Documentary Center
Press
- TIME Magazine's Lightbox 9 Photographers Confront Intolerance to Document What Works
- American Photo Capturing Moments of Kindness in Intolerant Places
- The Culture Trip 10 NYC Museum Exhibitions to See This November
- American Illustration American Photo (AI-AP) On View: Magnum Confronts Intolerance in 'What Works'