Building Bridges is a UMass public art and engagement initiative that draws on the power of solidarity and creative expression to bring people together and create a bridge across difference. The phrase “build bridges, not walls” has become a popular response to the rhetoric of fear and exclusion that has been dominating US headlines. Building Bridges is an effort to counter this fear and exclusion by focusing on the very real and positive possibilities that exist when people come together across race, religion, class, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, nationality, and more. The initiative is a collaborative effort between The Partnership for Worker Education, Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion
Live Sessions
June 30, July 1st, 7th, 8th and 9th
Noon and 8pm
Featuring musical performances, art demonstrations, spoken word, Our Immigrant Voices projects all by UMass staff. Hosted on Zoom and broadcast on Facebook Live and the PWE website.
Performers include Chelsea Field, Myles Sanders, Sandra Haynes, Nazim Mamedov, Lisa Korpiewski, and Nicholas Chavez
Digital Galleries
June 30th – July 9th Online
Featuring 50+ UMass staff, current and retired, along with Building Bridges cards submitted by staff, faculty and students
Sign up for digital galleries, live sessions, and updates
About the Building Bridges Art Installations
The Building Bridges art installations feature cards designed by campus community members. Each card individually answers the questions: “What differences do you want to bridge and/or connect, and how can we accomplish this goal?” When assembled, these cards create a mosaic that spells out the words “building bridges.” The mosaic is then displayed on an 11-foot tower featuring the phrase “building bridges” in multiple languages.
