|
|
 Bata Library Presents Living With Land Mines Portrait Exhibition of Young Land Mind Survivors from September 10-14FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Community Panel Discussion at Trent University on Sept. 12 to Foster Interdisciplinary Understanding of Today’s Land Mine Issues September 10, 2007, Peterborough
“We are delighted to be the first stop in Ontario for this exhibit, and by hosting it here we’re fostering the kind of learning environment that encourages students to think critically, become socially conscious and prepares them to make a difference in society,” explained Robert Clarke, University Librarian. “This exhibit reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Trent, especially as it touches on a major social and political issue affecting developing countries.” This year marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. Since its inception in 1997, 157 countries have signed the treaty, including Canada. “Our goal through this exhibit was to raise Trent students’ awareness during the first week of classes to Canadian involvement in important international issues, such as the devastating consequences that land mines have on the world,” said Mr. Clarke. One-third of world's nations are currently affected by land mines. In conjunction with the exhibition, Trent will host a public panel discussion on land mines on Wednesday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the Bata Library Atrium. Panelists will include the photographer, V. Tony Hauser, Jean Devlin Manager, Peace, Security and Mine Action at CIDA, and Trent professors Haroon Akram-Lodhi (International Development Studies), Jim Jury (Physics), and Van Nguyen-Marshall (History). “Together, Trent’s faculty bring a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the serious problem of land mines,” said Marisa Scigliano-Arvin, technical services librarian who helped to bring the exhibit to Trent. She noted that through the discussion, Southeast Asian historian Prof. Nguyen-Marshall will explain why Cambodia has land mines, Prof. Jury will describe the latest advancements in land mine detection, and the impact of land mines on the country’s economic development will be explored by Prof. Akram-Lodhi. “Libraries are a place for living ideas. We like to make Bata Library a very vibrant part of the community,” said Ms. Scigliano-Arvin when explaining why Bata Library chose to present this exhibit. “I think displaying this exhibit in a non-traditional venue like a library to educate young people is a perfect fit for Trent.” Mr. Hauser travelled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, in May 2006 to document 16 children who are currently living at the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. Along with providing a dormitory and a school for children injured by land mines, the museum also acts as an education centre for visitors. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Marisa Scigliano-Arvin, Technical Services Librarian To facilitate interviews with Trent faculty for expert commentary on the history, science and socio-economic impact of land mines, please contact Brittany Cadence at (705) 748-1011, ext. 6185 or brittanycadence@trentu.ca. |
Today Trent University’s Bata Library opened a provocative new exhibit entitled Living with Land Mines which runs until Friday, September 14. Developed by renowned photographer V. Tony Hauser, Living with Land Mines is an exhibition of 16 life-size portraits of Cambodian children who have suffered the effects of land mines.