Following the successful installation and gifting of the State of Disappearance art exhibition to the University of Bath, the renowned Mexican painter Chantal Meza has been appointed by the University to officially serve as Artistic Engagement and Impact Research Fellow. This is in recognition of her international reputation and engagement with the university community.
Since the exhibitions installation last year, it has been integrated into a number of teaching programmes. The space has also hosted several prominent events, including an event that was attended by several family members and leading advocates directly affected by the disappearance of loved ones during ‘the Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.
A senior delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also recently visited the collection back in June, which has led to a series of discussion on its future development.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) Manuel Barcia has shared his enthusiasm for the appointment adding:
The moment I learned about this collection on campus filled me with great enthusiasm. This extraordinary collection truly captures the global values and vision for what a University can become in these dangerous times. Appointing Chantal shows our commitment to respond in imaginative and sensitive ways, while also taking seriously the educational potential for art. I very much look forward to working with her in the coming years.
As an honorary Fellow, Chantal’s role will include further internationalising the State of Disappearance exhibition, providing professional consultation on art related matters, acting as a university ambassador in public cultural settings, while continuing to participate in university events, including the Disappeared of History webinar series she will continue to cohost. The role will also ensure the current collections’ international impact and engagement, while maintaining its benefits to the student community and academics at the University of Bath. Proposals will also be considered for the exhibitions development and partnering.
Adding her own thoughts to the appointment, Chantal stated:
I am delighted by the fellowship and the opportunity to continue to work alongside visionary academics such as the Vice Chancellor Phil Taylor and Professor Manuel Barcia. Given the state of the world right now, we need the arts and humanities more than ever; I think by offering me his position the University is showing it takes the importance of professional art that confronts difficult issues seriously. Working closely with the student community last year I was able to see a spark for a bright future shinning in their minds. The work at Bath has renewed my inspiration and confidence that whatever the winds, education will always find its way through hard times.
Chantal Meza’s State of Disappearance collection will remain in situ on the 5th floor of the Chancellors Building at the Claverton Downs campus, featured in the open space and adjacent teaching room CB 5.12. It is open to the public and will become part of the University’s permanent collection.
If you would like to get involved and have ideas you would like to chat about, you can get in touch with the Artist via email.