Art Revealing the Gunfire Epidemic

Philosophy of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In our Soul Box Project exhibits, we represent and honor people in the U.S. killed or injured by gunfire, including those of every race, cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, or circumstances of shooting.

We strengthen our organization by cultivating that same diversity of representation in our operations by:

Embracing and promoting a culture that values each person working for and with The Soul Box Project.
Learning from and listening to the voices of those people most affected by gunfire – victims, their families and loved ones – recognizing that each person’s grief and experience is unique.
Actively reaching out to and engaging communities affected by gun violence, which are disproportionately people of color.
Building alliances with initiatives working for a safer, more civil society, regardless of cultural background or religious or political affiliation, by offering dramatic visual support.

The Soul Box Project began as the vision of one artist. Throughout its evolution, the organization has grown to encompass many voices. We are addressing a complicated issue. We strive to be sensitive and grow from our missteps. We recognize we can only be effective in our mission by embracing the systemic and structural changes this country so desperately needs.

OBJECTIVES

Collect hand-folded paper Soul Boxes representing people killed or injured by gunfire in the U.S.
Create large-scale displays of tens of thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces.
Position The Soul Box Project to become the visual tool and healing activity for gun-sense organizations such as Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Sandy Hook Promise, March for Our Lives (Parkland students), Ceasefire, Giffords PAC, Brady Campaign, etc. to bolster their goals for reducing gunfire deaths and injuries.
Prompt action by using Soul Box displays to move the U.S. population and leaders to understand the magnitude of the gunfire problem.
Position Soul Box making as the go-to activity to help communities and individuals heal gunfire trauma.
Contribute to a shift in the national gun culture by affecting individual behaviors, which may, in the long run, do more to reduce deaths and injuries than efforts to enact legislation and laws.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Soul Box Project strives to:

Engage all concerned in art-making activities that feel constructive, meaningful and healing.
Be accurate and accountable in our depiction of statistics.
Be flexible in our display possibilities regarding size, configuration and cost.
Use materials and practices that minimize environmental impact.
Maintain a low budget/high participation ratio.
Refrain from language and activities that could increase divisive responses from our participants and audiences.
Infuse every aspect of our operations with our philosophy regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.