This exhibit investigates the intersection of art, history, and resistance, through posters from our Don Betz and Women's Rights are Human Rights collections, highlighting the significant role that art plays in challenging oppression and advocating for human rights. Beyond addressing societal issues, art serves as a vital medium for personal and collective resistance.
Through the presentation of these diverse expressions of resistance, the exhibit emphasizes art’s crucial role as a dynamic force for social change and empowerment, illustrating how creative endeavors can shape and reflect the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Dr. Don Betz Collection
The Palestinian posters are from Dr. Don Betz’s Collection. He was actively involved with the United Nations from 1982-2003, where he played a key role in establishing and expanding a vital network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on promoting peace in the Middle East. During his tenure from 1982 to 1984, he served as a Political and Liaison Officer, concentrating on the Question of Palestine.
After his time at the UN, Dr. Betz led the creation and growth of the International Coordinating Committee for NGOs on the Question of Palestine (ICCP), a council that connected the UN with NGOs worldwide engaged in Middle Eastern peace efforts. He chaired the ICCP from 1985 to 2002 and facilitated the United Nations-sponsored International NGO Meetings on the Question of Palestine for the last 15 years. Additionally, he has chaired and spoken at over 50 United Nations conferences, seminars, and symposiums globally.
Women's Rights are Human Rights Poster Collection
The posters from the Women’s Rights are Human Rights collection feature posters created by both men and women to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens should play in protecting and promoting human rights while actively challenging gender inequality and stereotypes, advancing sexual and reproductive rights, and protecting women and girls against brutality.
In their collective visual voice, these posters promote women’s empowerment and participation in society while challenging religious and cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women from achieving their fullest potential.
Curators
Brooke Lefler, Archives Specialist
Heather Scheele-Clark, Interim Coordinator of Archival Services
Oliver Ellington, Archives Specialist
