Sept. 27, 2000 — Twelve diverse communities will be featured in a ground-breaking documentary project exploring grassroots democracy at work in America. Through the distinctive visions of some of the nation's leading photographers and compelling interviews by prominent oral historians and folklorists, "Indivisible: Stories of American Community," provides a first-hand look at local initiatives and the people behind them, creating a unique portrait of an America moved to action.

The project encompasses a nationally touring museum exhibition, a major trade book, free postcard exhibitions and an extensive website. The museum exhibition will premiere at the Terra Museum of American Art on Oct. 6 and run through Nov. 26 in conjunction with a postcard exhibition in Chicago.

The project website will present "Indivisible" photographs and interview excerpts along with additional resources for learning more about community initiatives. The project also includes major research archives and educators' materials for use in schools and communities. The exhibit is a project of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University in partnership with the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona.

Initiatives that address issues facing communities across the United States such as housing, immigration, the environment, crime prevention, healthcare, youth empowerment, race relations, and economic and cultural development are featured through photographs of and audio interviews with citizens. Photographer Lynn Davis and folklorist Jens Lund introduce viewers to Alaska fishing communities along the North Pacific coast to learn about new marine conservation efforts. Photographer Reagan Louie and ethnographer Barry Dornfeld portray North Philadelphia, where through the hard work of community residents and children at the Village of Arts and Humanities, 87 abandoned properties have been converted into art parks, community gardens, education facilities and low-income housing. Photographer Sylvia Plachy and journalist Karen Michel visit midwives and doulas (volunteers for women during pregnancy, childbirth and early postpartum) working to support women in labor on Long Island.

Some of the nine other collaborations document Haitian immigrants in Delray Beach, Fla., working with local police to combat crime; migrant farmworkers in Texas border towns who learn to finance and construct their own homes; and loggers, conservationists, and residents in Montana forming a coalition on preservation and sustainable use of the forest.

For more information, call (877) 463-4899.