Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1365748
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUIT Y aren't just national buzzwords; they're critical to the lifeblood of our country, and Mercer University recognizes the vital nature of both words and deeds. "Inspired in the wake of conversations during 2020 surrounding antiracism, Mercer's art department has been focusing on social justice and equity within the institution and the community at large," said Julia Rubens, director of arts marketing for Mercer. From curriculum-revamping measures such as changing the way art history is taught and ensuring that more global voices are heard, to complementary exhibits and artist talks, Mercer is making waves in the nationwide sea of disparity. Mercer's art department is a small and intimate entity in a liberal arts college, according to department chair Craig Coleman. "We take an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach because of this," he said. "We want our students to think about how art relates to their other studies in other disciplines, because we recognize that the subject matter of art is the subject matter of the world. "If an artist wants to make a piece about history, they are crafting something but also really investigating. If they want to say something about a social or political issue, they really have to learn and dig deep on their research before engaging in craft." Mercer's art department teaches its students not only how to create, but how to explore. Students don't just work on their craft within the classroom or on campus, but many take their work out into the community, too. Lydreyah Simmons, for example, is completing her internship at the Grand Opera House so she can learn how graphic design works for different clients in the real world. "She learns a great deal about the people and performances involved to make the best choices, and learns to design for several practical media forms," Coleman said. Other projects that place Mercer's art students in the community include the installation of wall murals at a nearby elementary school and projection projects in highly visible locations such as Tattnall Square Park and Coleman Hill. "And, of course, McEachern Arts Center (the MAC) in downtown Macon is meant to be Mercer's 'front porch' for hosting conversations with the community," Coleman said. Between the MAC and the Plunkett Gallery on campus, there are at least 10-12 shows hosted each year, all free to the community. e intentionality of incorporating more social justice and equity into its programming has happened somewhat organically, according to Rubens. POWER & EQUITY Mercer University program strives for social justice through the arts BY LISA PRITCHARD MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER SMITH S 124 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2021