'Dear World' Makes Its Way To Miami University

BY DARICE CHAPEL
Miami University journalism student
Continuing its push to create a more inclusive environment, Miami University will host its first “Dear World” event this Thursday in the Armstrong Student Center as part of the university Performing Arts Series line-up.

What does the Performing Arts Series do?

According to its Assistant Director Ellie Witter, the Performing Arts Series aims "to bring outside entertainment and performers into campus to provide the opportunity for students and the community to see the arts in different ways.”

“Dear World” fits that bill.

“Dear World” began in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a unique way for people to find their voice.

“Artists in New Orleans started writing love letters on their bodies to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina… Those were messages of hope, showing their support,” Witter said.

Photos from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, participants can register for "Dear World" in the Shade Family Room of the Armstrong Student Center. After registering, each participant will be assigned a staff member and will be asked “What is your story?” and related questions. Each participant will use a thick, black Sharpie to write their “story” or whatever words they choose to share with world on their bodies.

Once the writing is complete, each participant will sit for a portrait with a photographer so that their “story” will forever be documented. Participants will have until 3 p.m. to visit ASC to have their portrait done. That evening at 7:30, partipants will showcase their "Dear World" messages in a presentation at ASC's Wilks Theater.

The event attempts to unite people "through pictures in its distinct message-on-skin style." according to the Performing Arts Series page. "It's been used by the world’s leading companies and universities to learn about their employees, students and community."

Performing Arts Series Director Patti Liberatore said she looks forward to seeing “the power that comes out of people coming together and having a conversation about what they believe in and what they want to tell the world, then having them write it on their body and having a picture made of it so that it becomes art.”

Posters showcase diversity

One of the unique ways that this event has been advertised around campus is through a series of posters that feature past portraits from other schools. Each poster showcases subjects of different races, cultures, religions, genders, and other identities to advertise that the event is open to all and that every voice matters.

Liberatore encourages potential participants to watch the “Dear World” video to get a sense of how powerful the event can be. She admits she “can’t watch it without crying.”

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Scott Walter will play two roles in the “Dear World” event. He'll be there as an administrator -- where he works with Greek Life, off-campus students, and the Women’s Center to promote leadership and engagement. He and his wife, Jennifer, are also sponsors of “Dear World.”

“I think it’s a way for students, faculty, staff, and the community to express their views, their feelings, what they’re doing in a very poignant way,” Walter said.

“Dear World” is open to all and free of charge to all registered participants.

Photo: "Dear World" posters showcase the wide range of participants from other venues. -- Contributed photo