Everyone has an unsent letter to write — maybe there is something you always wanted to say to a friend, a family member, an ex partner or you never got the chance to say goodbye to a loved one. The limit is the breadth of human experience, and this is a judgement free zone to find the words to express the inexpressible, and also the irreverent.

The Unsent Letters Mailbox was set up as a pop-up installation over four days at different locations across The New School buildings. The event invited participants to write an unsent letter, around a topic they’ve always wanted to say but never did. Writing letters enabled participants to let go while providing a space to share their feelings anonymously. After writing their letter and dropping it into the “Unsent Letter Mailbox” they had the opportunity to read a letter written by someone else, creating an anonymous exchange of thoughts, emotions, and reflections.

Participants found that it was a revelatory to share what bothered them or discuss an obstacle or motivation, on their mind. Some wrote short letters to themselves, others wrote letters to parents about an issue they were having or to a loved one about how they wanted to be treated. Sometimes the letters were filled with anger and resentment, while others were a token of love and admiration. In every instance, it was an honest portrayal of the emotions and thoughts of an individual at that time and for that reason these letters acted as truth tellers.

Once the pop-ups ended, we organized a salon for the exhibition of the reading of the anonymous letters and in an open dialogue reflected on their meaning. The Salon involved personal storytelling and readings of anonymous letters. The experience generated a sense of deep connection within the group as we recognized shared human experiences.

The very first Unsent Letter pop-up in the University Center

A student sits down to write their anonymous letter on top of announcements for upcoming pop-ups.

Unsent Letters Mailbox in Chelsea

Sofia helping a participant place his letter in the mailbox.