Hey, We Need to Talk!
In this deeply divided era, one of the most radical things you can do is talk to someone who thinks differently from you. Repairing our social bonds happens when we begin to care about each other again, when we are in relationship with one another.
What happened when strangers with different political views shared a meal and honest conversation in a creative space? Something extraordinary.
From August 2024 to February 2025, the University of Michigan Museum of Art became home to a groundbreaking social experiment. Artist Philippa Pham Hughes transformed a gallery into the "Common Sense Diner"—a space where the radical act of listening across difference became art.
The Simple, Powerful Format
Free weekly meals for 7 politically diverse strangers in an awe-inspiring space.
One rule: Come curious, not to convince.
The goal: Discover our shared hopes for family, community, and country.
What Made It Work
The gallery itself was designed as a "social sculpture"—artwork that becomes complete only through human connection. Surrounded by custom wallpaper featuring all 50 state flowers designed by artist Louise Jones (the flowers were a metaphor for flourishing and a symbol of national unity) and carefully selected artworks prompting reflection on American identity, participants found themselves in a space that invited vulnerability and authentic exchange.
Inspired by Professor Jenna Bednar's framework for societal flourishing—community, sustainability, dignity, and beauty—these dinners proved that even in our deeply divided era, we can repair our social bonds one creative and curious conversation at a time.
The Ripple Effect
Participants left not just as strangers who shared a meal, but as neighbors who discovered their shared humanity. Stories emerged of new friendships, new perspectives, and renewed faith in our capacity for connection.
This is replicable. This is necessary. This can happen in your community.
Ready to bring radical conversations to your space? Let's talk about how museums, galleries, libraries, and community centers can become laboratories for democracy.
"Hey, We Need to Talk!" was part of VOTE2024 at UMMA, with lead support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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The exhibition's grand title wall.
Artist Philippa Pham Hughes
The exhibition was featured in State & Hill, the Ford School of Public Policy's magazine. Philippa taught a course there called "We Should Talk: Using Art & Culture to Repair the Social Fabric."
Gathering at the peony garden for more conversation.
An installation by artist sara faraj reflecting on the exhibition.
A community singalong that took place at Feel Good Friday in October 2022.
Reflecting on artwork about sustainability, one of the four pillars of flourishing proposed by Professor Jenna Bednar.
Sharing responses to the question "What does it mean to be American?"
Reflecting on community, one of the four pillars of flourishing as proposed by Professor Jenna Bednar.
The exhibition culminated in a conversation in the peony garden at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the Nichols Arboretum. Three artists reflected on responses from exhibition visitors who’d answered the question: What does it mean to be American? They also created interactive artworks in the garden.