Public art project to raise awareness against LGBTQ bullying on Thursday

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Freedom of speech. Freedom of thinking. Freedom from hate.

Members of the University at Buffalo community will add their own wishes for freedom as part of a public art project taking place on Oct. 18 — #SpiritDay — on North Campus.

Queer activist, artist and UB alumnus Dana Tyrrell will lead the project, partnering with the national artists group For Freedoms, which fosters civic discussions through public art, to create a huge display of lawn signs on the Student Union Field, between the Commons and the Center for the Arts.

Who: Queer activist, artist and UB alumnus Dana Tyrrell; and UB students, faculty and staff.

What: #SpiritDay is a nationwide day to wear purple and speak out against LGBTQ bullying and support LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities.

When: The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A good time for media would be at noon, when Tyrrell is scheduled to speak, and students will be creating the art project.

Where: UB’s Student Union. Map: http://www.buffalo.edu/home/visiting-ub/CampusMaps/maps.html#STUDEN.

On-site media contact: Despina Stratigakos, vice provost for inclusive excellence.

Why: “We celebrate #SpiritDay with the For Freedoms project to emphasize the power of speaking your values in our collective efforts to build a community at UB where we respect and care for each other,” says Stratigakos. “Public art projects bring us together in unique ways, using creativity and self-expression as a vehicle to know ourselves and others. They also deliver a visual punch. It’s one thing to say I stand with you in solidarity; it’s another thing to declare it with a field of signs.”

The event is sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Intercultural and Diversity Center, the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association, and LGBTQ student organizations.