George Ballis Legacy Photo Project
Inspired by the work of George “Elfie” Ballis (1925 - 2010), “There is More Work to Be Done” is a celebration of the work for equitable, affordable, and stronger communities in rural America.
The need for documenting issues plaguing rural communities is ongoing, as is fighting for fair and equitable housing solutions on a national scale. Such work is at the cornerstone of TBD’s mission and practice, and we hope others will join us.
We must keep going, as there is more work to be done.
In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, To Be Done Studio worked to chronicle Ballis' work and impact both during and after his lifetime.
George Ballis had a storied career at the intersection of photography and social justice. He chronicled seminal movements in American history such as the work of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party as well as the experiences of the United Farm Workers movement and Cesar Chavez.
He chronicled seminal movements in American history such as the work of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party as well as the experiences of the United Farm Workers movement and Cesar Chavez.
Fair housing and healthy communities should not be a fight, it is a right that TBD will now and forever champion.
Inspired by his legacy, To Be Done Studio curated an online photographic exhibition showcasing families and communities of rural America.
To showcase the progress that has been made for rural housing development since Ballis’ time, TBD partnered with five local photographers and housing organizations in Appalachia, the rural South, and California.
Originally scheduled to be physically displayed at the 2021 Housing Assistance Council's (HAC’s) 50th anniversary event in Washington, D.C., TBD adapted to national health and safety protocols and transformed the exhibition into a virtual format for wider reach and public safety.
