Diversity group to hold show

Ballantine Hall has been known for its steep staircases, its echoing classrooms and its barren walls. The empty walls that many students pass on the way to class will soon receive new attention. \nThe student group One for Diversity will be holding a concert Tuesday, Oct. 12 in Alumni Hall, which will also feature an official announcement of the organization's plan to promote art in Ballantine and to celebrate the many cultural aspects IU has to offer.\n"We have constructed a floor plan for Ballantine including art, etchings and photographic exhibits dealing with student activism and IU campus art to show what we are going to do in Ballantine, but also to show what we could do around the rest of campus with financial assistance, aid from students and investment from the administration," the group said in a press release.\nSenior Scott Doelger, One for Diversity executive board member, said he believes next week's concert will entice students to explore and become interested in seeing art in Ballantine. The art will be bought with the money One for Diversity raises. Select pieces from the IU archives will also be used. \n"We are going to have art on display, which will look very interesting," he said. "We are going to have performances by groups such as IU Essence and the African-American Choral, and we will also have a plan for Ballantine's future."\nDoelger said this year One for Diversity has a more concrete plan to display artwork in Ballantine, and students will leave the concert more enthused to see it not only in Ballantine, but in other academic buildings. Last year, a different group held a similar campaign to install artwork in academic buildings fell short.\n"We are going to have art, we are going to have money raised, and we are going to have an elaborate plan to do it," he said. "Many students left last year's event unaware. This year we have a student organization to show people that we really want to do more." \nSophomore Carissa Wheeler, a member of One for Diversity, said she believes next week's concert will not only raise awareness but will also get the wheels turning for students to become interested in various artwork and culture.\n"Our hope is to get awareness out," she said. "We do not want this to die ... By getting people aware and involved, this will keep them interested."\nWheeler made the point that this year's effort will only start the process of getting students aware; the results will be seen in the future by prospective students.\n"IU is pretty diverse -- this project started at Ballantine -- it will take some years to truly make a difference," she said. "Each year, each wall, in years to come, will be filled. Students will see cultural representation through art and not through their professors."\n-- Contact staff writer Eric Tash at etash@indiana.edu.