The Black Experience at IU Display

CLIENT

Institutional Development and Student Affairs

CHALLENGE

Create a display for the opening ceremonies of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at IU Bloomington that showcases the history and achievements of African Americans at Indiana University.

SOLUTION

We worked closely with members of Vice President Charlie Nelms' staff, who did extensive archival research and some of the writing for the exhibit. Using a treasure trove of photographs and newspaper clippings, we put together a compelling timeline that began with the first African American student to enroll at IU, and ended with the dedication of the Neal-Marshall Center. We employed bold, oversized images and bright colors to attract viewers' interest. The physical layout of the display was anchored by a seven-foot tall curved unit that showed the timeline of the "Black Experience." Several kiosks showed different aspects of that experience, and viewers could immerse themselves in it as a result. We worked with a vendor to translate the design into a portable display that the Office of the Vice President has sent to the Indiana Historical Museum, Indiana Black Expo, and all the IU campuses.