The Conversation Project: A New Chautauqua

A few months ago we applied for two Conversation Projects through Oregon Humanities, formerly known as the Oregon Council for the Humanities. We were awarded both, and on November 5 at 7:00 p.m., we will host the first of 31 statewide Conversation Projects.

"Life in a Mega City: Images of Urban Bangladesh" features photojournalist Geoffrey Hiller, who spent a year in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Hiller went there on a Fulbright Fellowship to teach Interactive Media. He spent part of each day photographing people—in the streets, in markets and shops, on construction sites, in schools and madrasas—capturing the ever-changing urban landscape of this mega city.

He will address several topics of conversation: Are there connections between our consumer choices and a global work force? What are the reasons for and challenges associated with the growth of mega cities such as Dhaka, Bangladesh, which is home to 15 million inhabitants?

The second Conversation Project, "Night of a Thousand Stars: A Portrait of Life in Iraq" will take place December 5.

While in Iraq in early 2003, photojournalist Joel Preston Smith visited Iraqis in their homes and workplaces. He went to concerts with them, and ate meals with them, taking photographs along the way. After the war started, he photographed them in the hospital and grieving the loss of loved ones. He also spent time with American troops on patrol.

While at times it seems we live in isolation on the Oregon Coast, programs like these bring the greater world to us, and remind us of our shared humanity with other cultures. We hope you’ll join the conversations!