[Mpls] Coexistence exhibit

[kellyobrien at visi.com]

Coexistence
In Minneapolis: May 1 – June 12, Hennepin County Government Center
In St. Paul: June 14 – July 6, Rice Park
Presented by the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts
Initiated and created by Museum on the Seam, Jerusalem

Minneapolis opening ceremony: Monday, May 3, 11:30 – 1:30
Music by U of M Steel Drum Band, dance performance by Quetzalcoatlicue.

The University of Minnesota College of Liberal arts is bringing to the Twin 
Cities one of the world’s most unusual, visually powerful, and thought-
provoking exhibitions. The Twin Cities are only the fourth and fifth cities in 
the U.S. to host this extraordinary event, which began in 2001 in Jerusalem 
and has since toured cities from Sarajevo to Berlin, Belfast to Cape Town, 
Prague to Miami. 

Mounted in outdoor public spaces on giant billboards, COEXISTENCE showcases 
images by 38 international artists exploring issues of coexistence, peace, and 
understanding. The images—selected in juried competition and varied in style 
and theme—are presented alongside provocative reflections on coexistence by 
poets and sages across the ages (translated into English, French, German, 
Spanish, Hmong and Somali).

Can we live together in peace in our global and multicultural world? Can we 
understand and respect one another? Can our similarities bind us across our 
differences (including race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, and many 
others)? Or must difference inevitably result in conflict and violence—even 
genocide?  These urgent questions are at the heart of COEXISTENCE—making this 
exhibition both an astonishing spectator experience and an unparalleled 
springboard for thought, dialogue, and hope toward a better world.

Many related events are scheduled. See www.chgs.umn.edu/coexistence for 
further info.

Kelly O'Brien
Kingfield