3 DC Organizations Launch the Human Journey Project

Three D.C. non-profit organizations – The Kennedy Center, National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art – have partnered to start The Human Journey, a year-long collaborative project.

 Running from October 2018 to July 2019, the audiences are invited to examine the experiences and questions of migration, exploration, identity, and resilience through performing arts, science, and visual art.

The Human Journey will draw from many disciplines, making use of the resources and strengths of each collaborating organization.

Three projects by Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz, Jason Moran, which reflect on race, war, and personal narrative, will be showcased. Also, a photo exhibition from National Geographic Photo Camp showing works of young refugees will be exhibited in the Kennedy Center spaces from April to June 2019.

“The Human Journey is inspired by the powerful stories that each of our organizations witness every day when we place works on our stages, exhibitions in our halls, and photographs in our media,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter.

“Each partner brings a unique perspective, and by joining together, we have an opportunity to promote deeper understanding of the migration of people and the resilience of humankind to overcome conflict, adversity, prejudice, and injustices, often emboldened by a spirit of exploration and hope,” she added. 

Several panel discussions across the three organizations and other events are also included in The Human Journey events.

Tracy Wolstencroft, the chairman and CEO of the National Geographic Society, said The Human Journey is primarily a story of migration, by choice or force.

“This movement of people has historically brought together cultures from around the globe, shrinking our planet and bringing the cultural identities that define us into sharper focus,” said Wolstencroft.

“At National Geographic, we believe that understanding ourselves and what makes us human is a critical step in achieving a more equitable and sustainable future, and the story of human migration is central to that.”