Declarations of interdependence

Connecting people, nature, and art One signature at a time

An international art project

More than 10,000 people across 20 countries and 150 cities have signed Roland Poska’s Declarations of Interdependence — a living artwork and a shared commitment to building a world rooted in interdependence, dignity, and respect.

Between 1988 and 1994, artist Roland Poska created 15 original lithograph prints as part of his Declaration series. Each piece invites people to sign their name and birthday if they agree to “end violence, end prejudice, and achieve respect for all.”

Bring a Declaration to your community

Bob the peacebuilder and Roland Poska

Bob and Poska met in 2013 and quickly became close friends and collaborators, showing the Declarations together in Washington, DC and across Illinois.

When Poska passed away in 2017, Bob committed to carrying his vision forward. Since then, Bob has expanded the project into a global movement — collecting thousands of additional signatures and bringing the Declarations to new cities and countries.

Today Bob also trains signature collectors to use art the way he and Poska did, helping people connect across differences and showing that interdependence is necessary, urgent, and beautiful.

Artist Roland Poska

Roland Poska (1938–2017) was a revolutionary printmaker and papermaker who redefined the possibilities of fiber-based art. Born in Scotland to Lithuanian parents and raised in Rockford, Illinois, he earned his BA from Rockford College and his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He founded Fishy Whale Press in 1961, pioneering new approaches to lithography and handmade paper.

Poska taught at Rockford College, led printmaking at the Layton School of Art, and co-founded what is now the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Throughout his career, he pushed the limits of color, form, and handmade paper, creating sculptural works he called “Papestries.”

Bring the Declaration to Your Community

The Declarations of Interdependence can be activated at schools, universities, conferences, festivals, city events, faith communities, and public spaces. Bob will work with you to design a signing experience that sparks dialogue, curiosity, and connection.