Igniting change one wall at a time An Obermann Conversation

Streaming video - 2022

When two large figures took shape on Burlington Street in Iowa City last summer, passersby had to contend with messages that went beyond the colorful, playful images of other downtown murals. "Weaponize your privilege" reads one of the so-called Oracles of Iowa City. The twin images are part of a long history of public art that challenges viewers and pushes for change, while asking who the "public" is in public art. Hear from artists and scholars involved in this project and other large-scale, community-based works. Panelists: Thomas Agran, former director of public art, the Downtown District Dellyssa Edinboro, researcher for Oracles Traci Molloy, artist, collaborator, social activist Jill Wells, lead painter, Oracles.