“They Coloured Me”
A collaborative art project and interactive experience focused on social privilege
As part of UBC Okanagan Equity and Inclusion Office’s annual Rule Out Racism campaign, three groups have joined together to present “They Coloured Me” art exhibit and interactive experience.
The Privilege Project
Project Team: Jada Larkin
The Privilege Project consists of the four plaster-human canvases. The canvases are holding a box that contains a personal response to a question about privilege. Visitors are welcome to write their reflections on the bodies with chalk. In addition, at the opening on March 7th from 4:00-6:00 pm those who attend will be welcomed to participate in a privilege test, designed to show the effect of privilege and social mobility.
Finding New Paths:
Exploring Decolonization, Indigenous Feminism, and Reconciliation Through Art
Project Team: Harron Hall, Amberley John, Drayson Netzel-Wood, Kelly Panchyshyn
The Indigenous Studies Association has invited artists to submit artwork based around the themes of privilege, Indigeneity, women and healing. The pieces include weavings, paintings, baskets, photography and other art forms. The group affirms the Syilx territory and wishes to engage the community as a part of the methodology of reclaiming space. The aim is to create a medium through which the community may engage openly with concepts of decolonization, Indigenous feminism, and reconciliation. The hope is that through providing an accessible platform for dialogue among audiences of all backgrounds, these discussions will facilitate cross-cultural healing, decolonization of thought, and a strengthening of the Indigenous way.
Qu(e)erying Campus: The Experiences of Indigenous and/or LGBTTQQIAP+/queer and/or racialized/POC students. AKA ‘The Campus Diversity Project.’
Research team: Susana Caxaj, Ruthann Lee, Ilya Parkins, Jenica Frisque, Nene Azu, Kari Barge, Kira Risler
The poster boards and statements showcased in the ‘privilege test’ reflect the experiences of diverse students on campus. Using an intersectional analysis – a perspective that examines multiple identities or social positions (e.g. race, sexual orientation) that students navigate – we were interested in better understanding whether students feel that their unique identities are celebrated and represented on campus. Students’ shared many challenges and successes they have encouraged both, on campus and in Kelowna. While some feel supported, participants pointed to many aspects of campus and Kelowna life where improvements are needed.
For instance, racialized students or ‘students of colour,’ shared experiences of being racially profiled, treated unfairly in Kelowna, or, having their unique backgrounds being belittled in class. LGBTTQQIAP+ students agreed that most people on campus assumed they were straight and cis and as a result, often had to ‘out’ themselves. For some students, ‘coming out’ was too much of a risk – as they weren’t sure whether their friendships or support network would remain intact if they revealed their sexual orientation or true gender(s). Some Indigenous students felt that although in certain centres and classes, Indigenous knowledge was valued, this acceptance and acknowledgement was not a universal norm across campus. For Indigenous students from different nations, outside of the region or the province, it was hard for them to practice or access their unique cultural traditions.
Our analysis is far from complete but we want to share what we are finding with students as we begin to piece together the many voices and experiences we have had the opportunity to learn from. Please share your own reflections with us by contributing your thoughts on the poster boards.
For more information email: equity.ubco@ubc.ca
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