Les Bridges Invisibles
Exploring how people shape—and are shaped by—the places they live.
Les Bridges Invisibles
Exploring how people shape—and are shaped by—the places they live.
A Story of Searching and Building Belonging
I’m Ilma — originally from Lithuania, shaped by New York, this year moved with my family and a cat to Vevey. I’ve traveled to over 60 countries, built a global company, and curated experiences that connect people beyond small talk.
But moving to Vevey—with no French and no clear map—reminded me how it feels to be new. How identity shifts. How connection doesn’t always come easy.
That’s why I started Invisible Bridges. It’s a lived research project and a community invitation. I want to explore how people from different backgrounds shape this place together — and how we can feel a deeper sense of belonging by co-creating something new.
Why Vevey?
Vevey has long been a meeting point: between lake and mountain, between tradition and transformation. Artists, families, farmers, inventors, and newcomers from around the world have all contributed to the spirit of this small but globally minded town. Invisible Bridges is a lived research project that explores how people create belonging, identity, and community—often in quiet, collaborative ways.
Vevey is built on collaboration. From Nestlé's global presence to the Montreux Jazz Festival and the open-air photography of Images Vevey, the town has always been a place where local and international ideas meet. It offers a unique lens into how culture is co-created: in cafés, festivals, markets, and everyday encounters.
Invisible Bridges is a collection of stories, interviews, maps, and reflections. It is both an artistic experiment and a cultural inquiry. I'm spending time with people who live in Vevey—whether for five months or five generations—to learn how they experience this place, what makes them feel welcome, and how new people could become part of creating the history together today.
Vevey has long been a meeting point: between lake and mountain, between tradition and transformation. Artists, families, farmers, inventors, and newcomers from around the world have all contributed to the spirit of this small but globally minded town. Invisible Bridges is a lived research project that explores how people create belonging, identity, and community—often in quiet, collaborative ways.
Why Vevey? Because Vevey is built on collaboration. From Nestlé's global presence to the Montreux Jazz Festival and the open-air photography of Images Vevey, the town has always been a place where local and international ideas meet. It offers a unique lens into how culture is co-created: in cafés, festivals, markets, and everyday encounters.
What is this project? Invisible Bridges is a collection of stories, interviews, maps, and reflections. It is both an artistic experiment and a cultural inquiry. I'm spending time with people who live in Vevey—whether for five months or five generations—to learn how they experience this place, what makes them feel welcome, and what they would offer to someone new.
Heritage of Collaboration
Vevey and its surroundings have a long tradition of building invisible bridges.
Vevey becomes the cradle of one of the first truly global companies, creating commercial and cultural bridges across the world.
The region becomes an international musical crossroads, attracting artists from around the world and creating unique artistic collaborations.
Unique open-air international photography festival transforms Vevey into a walkable gallery.
More than 40% of the local population is of foreign origin, naturally creating intercultural bridges in daily life.
Vevey Stories
Invisible Bridges is a collection of stories, interviews, maps, and reflections. It is both an artistic experiment and a cultural inquiry.
I'm spending time with people who live in Vevey - whether for 5 months or 5 generations - to learn how they experience this place, what makes them feel welcome, and how new people could become part of creating the history together today.
Know someone who is creating history now?
Introduce me to the people, inform about their events and your favorite places that make Vevey and Swiss Riveira so special.
Highlights the importance of sharing experiences among locals and newcomers
Explores how local identities are shaped by global influences and vice versa
Focuses on collaborative projects that enhance community ties and connections
Describes how vevey's past created a foundation for diverse interactions and relationships.
Meet the author
Reflecting on the connections that shape our community
What our users have to say
This blog has opened my eyes to the power of stories
"Reading these narratives has me reconsidering how I relate to my surroundings. Community lies in understanding one another." - Rachel Andre, Writer.
"The journey through these reflections inspires me to engage with every individual story I encounter." - Antoine Bellamy, Urban planner.
"Every post resonates with me and encourages deeper reflections on our shared experiences as residents of Vevey." - Mia Lambert, Student.
"This blog is a refreshing perspective on collaboration and belonging. It has encouraged me to foster more connections in Vevey." - Marco Rossi, Research analyst.
"The insights shared have motivated me to engage more actively in my community, recognizing that every story matters." - Andrea Valle, Teacher.
"Reading these reflections has deepened my understanding of community and belonging. I feel inspired to connect more with those around me, especially in our diverse town." - Sarah Martin, Community activist.
Key statistics reflecting our research
Together, we can understand the community through data and personal experiences
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about belonging answered
The blog aims to explore themes of belonging and community through lived experiences and shared stories.
Readers can engage by sharing their own stories and reflections, participating in discussions, and connecting with the community.
Future posts will delve deeper into the experiences and narratives that shape vevey's vibrant community.
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Get stories and invitation to my future experiments/gatherings.