By: Lani Hansen, Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma– The Northeastern State University Center for Tribal Studies, Center for Women’s Studies and Violence Prevention team are now accepting artwork for the 3rd Annual Breaking the Silence art show.
According to Student Program Coordinator for CTS Alisa Douglas, they hope to draw attention to the MeToo and MMIWG issues and provide a safe space for artists to voice their story through art.
The MeToo Movement has drawn national attention to the once silenced voices of survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Many within the Indigenous communities have taken the opportunity to add to this conversation the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (#MMIWG).
“It is said the number of undocumented cases, Indigenous women and girls experience sexual assault, violence and go missing at higher rates than any other ethnic group. The exhibit seeks to raise awareness and acknowledge the prevalence of sexual assault and violence,” Douglas said.
The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of April which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The art show will be on display at NSU’s Broken Arrow campus and possibly the Spider Art Gallery in downtown Tahlequah.
Douglas said they are accepting artwork of any medium including: painting, sculpture, beadwork, photography, video, basketry, etc.
“If the artists choose to sell their artwork, a portion of the proceeds go towards the American Indian Emergency Fund,” Douglas added.
The Emergency Fund Program is designed to assist NSU American Indian students with an unexpected one-time emergency. These funds are used for personal expenses that may affect a student’s ability to be successful in their academic endeavors.
The goal of the show is to provide an opportunity for artists, survivors and advocates to share their story and raise awareness about the prevalence of violence and sexual assault.
Applications are now open for artists to submit an entry. The deadline for entry is February 21, 2021. For the entry guidelines and the link to submit artwork can be found at cts.nsuok.edu/events.
If anyone has questions contact Alisa Douglas at tribalstudies@nsuok.edu or 918-444-4350.
