UB seeking ideas for Contemplative Sites

If you enjoy the public artwork installed over the summer in Knox Quad, you’re going to love what comes next.

UB is seeking themes for future public art installations on the North and South campuses as part of its new Contemplative Sites Program.

The program, launched by the Office of the Provost, showcases public art that not only enhances the campus, but provides for contemplation on important issues of our time. “Progress Pride Paths,” for example, the colorful design installed on the sidewalk in Knox Quad in support of the LGBTQ community, served as the inaugural project this fall.

“We’re calling on the UB community for ideas,” says Kelly Hayes McAlonie, director of campus planning and chair of the Contemplative Sites Subcommittee.

“We are hoping for an array of ideas that reflect the conversations that are occurring on campus,” she says. “We’re looking for themes that capture UB’s values of diversity and inclusion, but also encourage reflection and building that sense of community on campus.”

While not mandatory, themes tied directly to the history of UB are encouraged.

“We’re especially interested in the untold stories of belonging and diversity at UB, stories that change our perception of who we once were, who we are today, and who we aspire to be in the years to come,” explains Despina Stratigakos, vice provost for inclusive excellence and a member of the Contemplative Sites Subcommittee.

Submissions can be made to the Contemplative Sites Subcommittee by filling out a questionnaire online.

Submissions must be sponsored by a recognized UB body, such as a department, office, club, association, committee or institute. Joint submissions by multiple UB bodies are encouraged. A joint submission from a UB entity and an outside organization also is acceptable.

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 30. Winning entries will be selected by the end of the fall semester.

Submissions do not need to be accompanied by designs of the artwork. The committee will work with the submitting group to select a local artist with expertise in public art.

Development of the artwork will take place between Jan. 30 and April 30, with an unveiling next May.

Public art for the Contemplative Sites Program is temporary and will be displayed on campus for one year.

Besides Knox Quad, three other potential sites for the public art project have been identified: the sidewalk outside Greiner Hall on the North Campus; Arts Quad, next to the Center for the Arts on the North Campus; and Abbott Quad on the South Campus.