Public humanities involves engaging diverse publics in the work of reflecting on the current conditions of civic and cultural life.
Silvestri’s commitment to building bridges between academic and general audiences comes from her background as a first-generation college student. She recognizes the power and freedom afforded to her by formal education, so she uses that privilege to initiate dynamic conversations about democracy, history, art, technology, wellbeing, sustainability, sovereignty, cultural heritage, and social change through free, accessible public programming.
Keep scrolling to see some of the projects she’s directed.
Community is not a metaphor. It is a felt reality, one that is tethered by responsibility, obligation, and integrity.
-Lisa Silvestri, Peace by Peace
The Telling War Project
With support from The National Endowment for the Humanities’ initiative, “Dialogues on the Experience of War,” this project illuminated and amplified the Veteran voice as a way of adding much-needed complexity, shading, and dimension to “the war story” and the public’s perception of our fighting men and women.
There’s often a reverence for Veterans without any real listening among the civilian public. Telling War inspired, engaged, and supported Veterans through a series of free public workshops led by authors, artists, and makers who happen to be Veterans themselves.
“War cannot be heard unless it is told.”
Give a listen.
NPR member station, Spokane Public radio discusses one of Telling War’s programs featuring award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ron Osgood. Listen here.
NPR member station, Spokane Public Radio discusses the process of turning military uniforms and other textiles into beautiful paper. Listen here.
NPR member station, Spokane Public Radio discusses how to write a six word story with creator of The Six Word War, Mike Nemeth. Listen here.
For nearly a decade, Silvestri led a free monthly yoga class in the sanctuary of St. John’s cathedral in Spokane, WA (or sometimes in a park). Regular attendance consisted of 100-225 community members some had never done yoga, some had never been in a church. Together they laughed and breathed.
Yoga at the Cathedral
Check it out!
The Spokesman Review reported on the uncommon community yoga phenomenon. Read it here.
Favs News covered Yoga at the Cathedral as well. Silvestri says, people “need a docking station for their inner light.” Read it here.
More Spokesman-Review coverage and photos here.