UNITY Project

Posted: Oct 05 2017
If you were on the campus of Minot State University (MSU) over the last couple of weeks, you may have seen a large artistic structure on the lawn of the Gordon B. Olson Library. The structure which was created over the course of MSU’s Homecoming week was the result of the UNITY public art project.
 
UNITY is an interactive public art display that examines how labels both help and hinder our ability to build unity as a nation and as a human race. The Minot Area Community Foundation teamed up with MSU to bring this community art project to Minot.
 
The project consists of 32 poles arranged in a large circle. Participants used yarn to tie to each pole with which they identify. The result is a canopy of interconnectedness that celebrates our similarities as well as our differences. A total of 300 people participated in the Minot UNITY Project. Participants were curious at first but ultimately excited to take part in something that celebrates our differences.

A yarn cutting ceremony was held while taking the structure down as a symbolic way of cutting the labels that bind us from coming together. The yarn was then donated to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter. They will use the yarn to make cat toys!