For immediate release December 4, 2017
ALLEGHENY COLLEGE COURSES, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MUSLIM AND JEWISH COMMUNITIES, FEATURE COMMUNITY-STORYTELLING INSTALLATION MEADVILLE, PA - The Allegheny College Communication Arts Course, Community-Based Media: Creative Citizenry Through Visual Media, and Art Department Course, Electronic and Intermedia Art, are excited to announce a collaboration with the Muslim and Jewish communities on campus to create a multi-series, interactive, public art installation. The installation is located in the Gator Quad on Allegheny College’s campus, with viewing dates December 4-10, 2017. This installation is designed to open conversation and contemplation during a moment of highly politicized rhetoric. The work roots itself in the belief that the “role of narrative in contemporary movements for social justice—across platforms and genres of civic media storytelling” offers a critical means for transformation. “Can we begin to listen with the desire and intent to understand across difference?” River Branch, associate professor of Communication Arts, asks. This project shares stories of the Jewish and Muslim communities in their singularity. Sites of shared space or overlap operate when considering the targeting and marginalization of religious communities within contemporary moment. Overlap is explored with attention to the fact that the mechanisms and processes of marginalization manifest in their specificity. This project seeks to highlight the ways in which we, as a community, support and invite others to thrive on our campus, and this project seeks to challenge us to reach further in extending active support and understanding. Centered around a 25 foot wide and 14 foot tall geodesic dome with video projection, this installation features interviews from members of the Jewish and Muslim communities. Different themes will be showcased over the course of the week, two themes playing each day. Over the course of the week, seven themes will be explored in isolation and juxtaposition. The daily variation and nature of building the narrative over the course of the week allow viewers to engage with new material each day. The week culminates in a projection of all seven narratives. Based around the geodesic dome are four separate pathways, one which features portraits and sentiments shared by members of the Muslim and Jewish communities. The second pathway provides viewers with the opportunity to situate themselves in relationship to historical and contemporary context. A third pathway provides a project description and schedule, as well as foods common to one or both communities during the dinner hour. The fourth artery invites consideration of the boundaries, successes and limitations of our statement of community, via a video presentation. Viewers will have the option to respond to provided prompts and display these responses on a structure allowing for public participation. This site provides a space for reflection and active engagement. The installation will run Monday through Thursday 9:00am-11:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am-12:00am, and Sunday 9:00am-11:00pm. We invite all to embark on this journey to hear the stories that live and breathe on our very campus. Join us as we learn from one another...together. About Allegheny Founded in 1815, Allegheny College is a national liberal arts college where 2,100 students with unusual combinations of interests and talents develop highly valued abilities to explore critical issues from multiple perspectives. Community Based Media: Creative Citizenry Through Visual Media, taught by Associate Professor River Branch, is offered through the Communication Arts and Theatre Department. Electronic and Intermedia Art, taught by Assistant Professor Byron Rich is offered from within the Art Department. ###
