[Imc] proposal for art project at IMC

[Sarah Kanouse]

I will present this proposal at today's steering group meeting.  I'd really like a decision today.  Please email me with questions/concerns
 or if you'd like to participate.

--Sarah


September 23, 2001

Proposal for Window Art on Terrorist Attacks/US Response
by Sarah Kanouse

Proposal: 
The IMC will support the creation of a quilt to hang in the front window of the IMC created from diverse responses of community members to the terrorist attacks and US policy.  Additions to the quilt can be made indefinitely.

Rationale: 
1) Fulfill the IMC's mission
The IMC exists to spark public debate and provide a forum for community voices.  A participatory art project hung in the window will bring the perspectives of community members to an audience.  The juxtaposition of a number of perspectives will help viewers see that this issue is more complex and that there are more possible ways to respond than represented in the dominant media.

2) Protect the IMC
The IMC has received two phone messages decrying 'our' response to the attacks.  While the IMC is a forum for all marginalized voices to be expressed, the broader community perceives the IMC as endorsing a peaceful response to the attacks, misunderstood to be the 'turn the other cheek' option.  This misperception leaves the IMC vulnerable to attacks by angry citizens should the climate in this country turn towards war.  By including a diversity of perspectives, the IMC will be perceived as more of an open forum.  An invitation to participate in the quilt can be made to people who appear hostile or confrontational, thereby defusing a potentially dangerous situation.

IMC's role:
1)Solicit participation from those who drop in the center.
2)Maintain an 'art chest' and sewing machine in the center, probably under the front table, for use when people choose to participate.

Sarah Kanouse's role:
1)Solicit participation more broadly in the community
2)Art director.
3)Piece the quilt together.

Questions:
1)Does the IMC want to include right-wing perspectives on the quilt?
2)Others?



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