The Murmur of Democracy is a recurrent group performance organized by Chicago artist Matthew Girson. During the performance guests read the letters, speeches, testimonies, poems and other texts by survivors of hatred, bigotry and oppression. By reading these words to each other – and for each other – participants will have opportunities to reflect on the successes and failures of democracy.

Individuals are invited to bring their own texts to share and are welcome to upload them to the archive at www.januarytwenty.net. Examples of texts submitted by others are also available on the site. Readings will be provided for participants who do not bring their own material.

This event is held as a closing event for the exhibition Virtue of the Vicious, a survey of work by artists addressing them any forms patriotism takes in contemporary American society.

Spread the word and join us on October 20 from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Like democracy itself, the more people who participate, the more meaningful the experience.