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Hate & racism
The exhibit will provide an immersive experience of the rise of hate that was documented in the Commissioner’s Inquiry into hate in the pandemic and the large-scale works of art that emerged from it across B.C.
The 25-minute experience, which will be played in a loop in each exhibit space, weaves together animation, projections, interviews and soundscapes to allow participants to reflect on their own experiences and actions being taken to address hate in their communities. It will initially be open to the public in four communities in different regions of the province: Vancouver (Apr 23 and May 23), Kelowna (May 2 to 4), Fort St. John (May 10 and 11) and Nanaimo (May 16 and 17).
The inquiry on which the exhibit is based included the contributions of thousands of participants from communities across the province that described the wave of hate the arose during the pandemic and continues today. The exhibit amplifies the voices represented in the inquiry and builds upon the artistic contributions of public murals that were unveiled in 2023 in Vancouver, Fort St. John, Keremeos and Nanaimo. The murals represented a step forward in helping community members process their experiences of hate, inspire connections that can fortify the community against disinformation and fear, and catalyse conversations about how to create change in our province.
“In the ‘From Hate to Hope’ report, released in March 2023, I called on all people and communities in B.C. to work to understand hate and acknowledge its harm,” said Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender. “As we continue to see a rise in hate, it is important to remain focused on addressing these issues in our communities and fostering spaces for dialogue, including through the power of public art. By providing opportunities for people to engage with the ‘From Hate to Hope’ report findings, I hope that we can gain a sense of connection by seeing our experiences reflected in this work or develop a greater understanding by hearing another person’s story.”
The first public showing immersive exhibit will take place in Vancouver at UBC Robson Square on Apr. 23, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is not required and there is no cost to attend.
For details on this and other showings, please visit bchumanrights.ca/exhibits
Resources
- Photos of the murals are available here: From hate to hope murals
- Learn more about BCOHRC’s inquiry here: From hate to hope: Inquiry into hate in the COVID-19 pandemic
Find this release as a PDF here.
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About BCOHRC
BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner exists to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination and injustice in B.C. by shifting laws, policies, practices and cultures. We do this work through education, research, advocacy, inquiry and monitoring. Learn more at: bchumanrights.ca
About the Commissioner
B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, started her five-year term on Sept. 3, 2019. As an independent officer of the Legislature, Commissioner Govender is uniquely positioned to ensure human rights in B.C. are protected, respected and advanced on a systemic level. Her work through BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner centres listening deeply to British Columbians to inform educational materials, policy guidance, public inquiries, interventions, community-based research and more that protects marginalized communities, addresses discrimination and injustice and upholds human rights for all.
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