The Old Schwamb Mill is proud to host the panAFRICAproject, a compelling photography exhibition by Boston-based photographer Lou Jones. On view from March 21 through May 16, the exhibition opens with a public reception at 2:00 PM on March 21 and concludes with a closing talk and event at 2:00 PM on May 16.

More than a decade in the making, panAFRICAproject is a country-by-country visual documentary that challenges long-standing stereotypes and reframes how Africa is understood in the Western imagination. Rather than focusing on narratives of conflict and poverty, Jones turns his lens toward the vibrancy, innovation, and everyday realities of contemporary African life, highlighting industry, education, healthcare, sports, music, and infrastructure across the continent. The project has grown into an expansive visual archive and educational platform, exhibited in schools, galleries, museums, and public spaces. With a long-term goal of documenting all 54 African countries, the project continues to evolve as a celebration of culture, progress, and daily life.

Hosting panAFRICAproject at the Old Schwamb Mill places these global stories within a site deeply rooted in craft, labor, and community history. As a living industrial museum, the mill provides a unique setting where photography, history, and contemporary dialogue intersect. The exhibition also serves as a community gathering point, welcoming visitors of all ages. Lou Jones puts together a powerful photography exhibition reimagining how Africa is seen, and bringing global stories into a historic local space.