John Noltner
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Division of Diversity and Community Engagement is hosting a Dialogues on Diversity series this week with the goal of fostering change through public discourse.
The new series begins with award-winning photographer John Noltner and his project “A Peace of My Mind,” which is on display in Bryant Hall Gallery from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Wednesday (Oct. 10).
“A Peace of My Mind” is a multimedia arts project built around the simple question, “What does peace mean to you?” The project began as Noltner’s effort to rediscover humanity in an increasingly polarized world.
“In order to demonstrate our true commitment to creating an inclusive campus, we must insist that every student’s voice, every student experience, informs our work,” said Katrina Caldwell, UM vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement. “The Dialogues on Diversity series will be an annual program that provides our community opportunities to engage in civil and transformative conversations that advance diversity and equity at the University of Mississippi.”
The first exhibit encourages individuals to consider the humanity that connects us through a unique and interactive collection of portraits and personal stories to celebrate our shared experience.
The public will have opportunities to speak to Noltner during his visit. Ole Miss students, faculty and staff are invited to share stories with him during brief 10-minute interviews. Participants will respond to his question, “The UM I want to create is…”
Interviews will be conducted today and tomorrow (Oct. 8-9) at the exhibit at Bryant Hall. Drop-ins are welcome, but time slots can be reserved by filling out the Pre-registration Form.
Those who participate in the interviews will be entered to win a pair of tickets in the chancellor’s skybox for the Oct. 20 Ole Miss-Auburn football game.
Noltner also will present the keynote address, “This Is UM,” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Fulton Chapel, where he will share insights and themes found during the interviews. A reception and final viewing of the exhibit follow the address.
Plans are underway for more Dialogues on Diversity events, which will be announced soon.
For more information, contact the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at diversity@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2933. For assistance related to a disability, contact Tanya Nichols at tmnicho2@olemiss.edu.