“Community Collage” Josh Madson (2026)

The Fargo Moorhead “Community Collage” mural celebrates the people and spirit of the local community and is filled with black-and-white portraits of our neighbors.  

Founded by photographer and visual artist Josh Madson in 2023, “Community Collage” has quickly grown into a national public art movement centered around a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves to be seen. Born out of a desire to showcase the cultural harmony of local communities, the initiative strips away the traditional elitism of portrait photography. Madson introduces an ultra-rapid, inclusive methodology: individuals from all walks of life, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds step into an immersive pop-up studio for a brief, 2-minute photoshoot.

By utilizing a classic black-and-white portrait style, the project removes distractions. This specific visual choice intentionally forces the viewer to focus strictly on the raw emotion, genuine smile, and authentic expressions; the soul behind the face. 

The ultimate goal of the project goes far beyond individual imagery; these individual snapshots are assembled into massive, floor-to-ceiling public art installations and large-scale murals in prominent community spaces. Inside these galleries, participants and viewers alike are met with a profound sense of shared joy, visibility, and collective pride, creating a powerful visual reminder of connection and belonging that reflects the shared humanity of a community.

Since its founding in 2023, "Community Collage" has photographed more than 14,000 people across the United States.

Josh Madson is a dynamic, prolific photographer who works internationally from various home-bases in LA, New York City, and Tokyo.

To learn more about Josh, visit his website: joshmadson dot com