Celebrating the art of diversity

The University of Queensland is preparing to hold its annual Diversity Week celebration with a range of activities and events on offer across the Gatton, Ipswich and St Lucia campuses.

UQ Diversity Week will highlight the increasing diversity of the UQ community and the contribution that the University makes to improving the lives of people locally, nationally and across the world.

UQ Equity Office Director Dr Ann Stewart said this year’s theme, The Art of Diversity, referred to art in all its forms – painting, sculpture, theatre, music, dance and architecture.

“We have chosen this theme because art has the capacity to reach across human divides to build common understandings and potentially develop shared understandings, especially in situations of conflict,” she said.

“Diversity Week gives all of us an opportunity to consider current issues that impact upon the world’s diverse communities, groups and people.

“I hope everyone will take advantage of the terrific variety of activities that will take place during UQ Diversity Week, that will explore what The Art of Diversity means in the context of a globalised institution of higher education.”

UQ Diversity Week begins on 20 May, culminating in the Vice-Chancellor's Equity and Diversity Awards presentation from 4:30 to 7pm on 23 May.

The event is free and open to all staff, students, guests and friends of UQ.

Registration is available here .

The event will feature a ‘Diversity Debate’ on the topic Art is irrelevant to human progress, moderated by School of Human Movement Studies Head and Professor of Health and Physical Education Professor Doune Macdonald.

Professor Wally Thomas, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, will lead the team for the affirmative, which includes PhD student Mr Peter Ellerton and, Faculty of Arts Associate Dean, Academic, Associate Professor Deborah Brown.

Professor Alan Lawson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and International), will lead the team for the negative, which includes PhD student Ms Katherine Lyall-Watson and The University of Queensland Art Museum Director Dr Campbell Gray.

Networking drinks and canapés will follow The Debate, and there will be an exhibition of The School of Political Science and International Studies Photography Competition.

Visit the Diversity Week website to nominate someone for a Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity award, apply for an activity grant, or find out more about Diversity Week activities.

The Equity Office, the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Advancement Office plan and organise UQ Diversity Week to raise awareness of and expose students to issues affecting the world’s diverse cultures.

Media: Equity Office Director Dr Ann Stewart, 3365 3052 or ann.stewart@uq.edu.au.