AN INVITATION ACROSS THE NATION TO EXPLORE AND EXPRESS YOUR HOPES AND WISHES FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER OF OUR AMERICAN STORY.
Renowned pianist and NPR host Lara Downes marks the 250th anniversary of the United States by gathering together American communities to find common ground in exploring the core essence of our founding promise: the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Lara invites YOU - Americans of all ages and backgrounds - to express your hopes and wishes for our country’s future, centering your personal perspective, experience and intentions as you imagine the next chapter of our national story.
Submissions to The Declaration Project will be collected as a national digital archive, and featured in a video installation that will premiere in New York in July 2026, as part of Lara’s multimedia concert DECLARATION
WHY
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will mark the 250th anniversary of its founding. In 1776, when our country was signed into existence with the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson’s words offered a bold promise meant to inspire and unite the citizens of a newborn nation. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Ever since that time, we have been trying to realize that promise for all Americans. The work continues.
This quarter-century anniversary offers us an important opportunity to reflect on the core concepts of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness as powerful, universal ideas that can help us design the next chapter of our American story, working towards a society in which we all live in freedom and equality, devoted to the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling collective future.
HOW
Listen to the DECLARATION playlist. This music reflects the experiences and hopes of many different American voices, tracing our history through the lens of our music.
Let the music inspire your personal reflection on one or all of these concepts: (1) Life (2) Liberty (3) the Pursuit of Happiness.
Express your perspective in any form or medium (text, spoken word, visual art, music, dance) - whatever moves you!*
Send us your submission using the form below!
*We ask that text submissions be no longer than 500 words. Video and audio submissions should be 2 minutes or less.
The Declaration Project is a non-partisan, unbiased initiative meant to promote empathy, community and unity. Submissions that speak negatively about specific individuals, groups or institutions will not be considered.
Accepted file formats are: (.doc .pdf .jpeg .jpg .wav .mp3 .mp4 .mov)
Questions?? Contact us at Info@TheDeclarationProject.org
MY DECLARATION PROJECT SUBMISSION
