1000 Dreams Exhibition @ Dupont Underground

Our understanding of the refugee experience most often comes from stories told by people who are not refugees, which can lead to incomplete and biased narratives.

Refugees (and others experiencing forced migration) are often depicted as either a threat to the host society and their identity, or, helpless victims who must be rescued.

These stereotypes create attitudes that affect policies and practices that can have severe negative impacts on the lives of refugees and the societies in which they find themselves. Moreover, these stereotypes don’t take into account the huge diversity of refugee experiences. For the narrative to change, refugee voices must be heard. 1000 Dreams amplifies stories of people experiencing forced migration, allowing others to learn about their strengths, their challenges, and their dreams.

The interviews and photographs that make up “1000 Dreams” have been produced by more than 90 refugees worldwide. Every refugee storyteller has completed a workshop and mentorship program with Witness Change, where they’ve learned photography and interviewing skills. This is a project about refugees, by refugees.

“1000 Dreams” is a project created and run by Witness Change. Read all their stories at

The images in this exhibition have been documented in Europe and the United States. This exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of the Heinrich Boell Foundation.

On View at Dupont Underground 11 am - 5 pm December 5-7 and 12-14 and for viewers of The Swallow/La Golondrina. Free to view during daytime hours. Evening access complimentary with tickets to the performance.

Also check out other Exhibitions in Washington, Workshops in Washington.