Palette of Perspectives

Palette of Perspectives Hero Image

Team members: Bryan Brown, Megan Corona, Eleanor Dunlap, Charlie Hall, Nalisha Henry, McKinley Hyman, JJ Lies

Across the country, meaningful conversations are becoming harder to have. Mistrust, misunderstanding, and division often shape how neighbors and community members interact.

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that 85% of Americans believe political violence is increasing. 80% of U.S. adults also feel that people across political lines cannot agree on basic facts. In Upstate South Carolina, these tensions are felt everywhere—in schools, workplaces, coffee shops, and everyday conversations.

Palette of Perspectives is partnering with My Neighbor’s Voice and the Greenville Center for Creative Arts to respond to this challenge. Together, they are hosting an art exhibit designed to encourage respectful dialogue and deeper understanding within the community.

The exhibit will feature work by a Greenville-based artist, and will serve as a starting point for reflection and conversation. People from all backgrounds will be invited to share their perspectives and listen to others with empathy.

Through My Neighbor’s Voice, trained facilitators will guide structured listening sessions. These sessions are designed to create space for thoughtful communication and mutual understanding.

For centuries, the arts have brought people together. From ancient Greek theater to modern visual art, creativity has helped communities connect around shared experiences. Today, art continues to act as a bridge—crossing differences in background, beliefs, and life experiences.

Art speaks a universal language. Through images, symbols, and emotion, it invites empathy and reflection. It engages both the mind and the heart, making dialogue more accessible and meaningful.

Together, Palette of Perspectives, My Neighbor’s Voice, and the Greenville Center for Creative Arts aim to create a welcoming environment where productive communication is encouraged and normalized.

Project Mission: In a time often marked by division, Palette of Perspectives seeks to nurture respect, trust, and civility through the power of creativity and dialogue.

Project Objectives

  • Increase communication between neighbors and community members
  • Create arts-based listening cards in partnership with My Neighbor’s Voice
  • Support the missions of local nonprofits, including My Neighbor’s Voice and the Greenville Center for Creative Arts
  • Use the arts to address growing polarization in our communities

Desired Impact and Outcomes

  • More civil and respectful dialogue
  • Greater appreciation for diverse viewpoints
  • Increased willingness to listen to others
  • Openness to reflection, growth, and change
  • Stronger respect among community members
  • A deeper sense of connection and community

Sources:

Gracia, S. (2025, December 4). As Democrats’ anger spikes, American’s feelings about the federal government grow more polarized. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/12/04/as-democrats-anger-spikes-americans-feelings-about-the-federal-government-grow-more-polarized/

Shearer, E. (2025, July 30). Most Americans say Republican and Democratic voters cannot agree on basic facts. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/07/30/most-americans-say-republican-and-democratic-voters-cannot-agree-on-basic-facts/