The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery announced on Thursday that their new “A Public Commons” experience and exhibition would open at the end of the month of August.
The project seeks to recreate “the pit,” a famous 1970s Sangamon State University – now UIS – classroom known for its lack of desks and chairs. The idea was that, in this neutral space, people could explore effective communication and problem-solving from different viewpoints.
“A Public Commons” opens Aug. 28 and runs through Oct. 5.
The space is open for public use and is designed to be reorganized according to the specific needs of each event.
As the UIS noted, individuals interested in occupying this space for productive discussions can reserve a time through a Google Form, and the space is available from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the exhibition’s run.
Additionally, “A Public Commons” will host four central convenings for discussions focused on social and cultural topics. These convenings are open to the public:
Sept. 16
“Is Socially Responsive Education Possible?”
Facilitators: Brian Gillis and Mike Miller
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Sept. 23
“Practicing Social Justice”
Facilitator: Tiffani Saunders
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Sept. 30
“The State of Mental Health Care”
Facilitator: Carol First
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Oct. 5
“Removing Barriers to Achievement”
Facilitator: Ty Dooley
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
For more information and future exhibitions, you can visit their website.
