An art installation examining the historical use of the word “ghetto” and how the weight and meaning of the word have changed over time is being hosted at the Queen’s Centre starting Tuesday, Feb. 23.

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) has partnered with ArtStreet at the University of Dayton to bring an art installation entitled “GHETTO: A Retail Art Installation” to Queen’s campus. The installation is a retail art experience that seeks to take the commercialized aspects surrounding the use of the term ‘ghetto’ and turn them into social, political and economic commentary.

The exhibit will be housed in the Fireplace Lounge on the second floor of the Queen’s Centre through to Monday, March 14.

A special opening night event at Common Ground Coffeehouse will offer a panel discussion featuring Rodney Veal and Brian LaDuca, two of the artistic producers for the original installation at the University of Dayton, and Alex Chung, the AMS Social Issues Commissioner. The panel will discuss the original ideas behind the installation, the importance of language and history, and the social climate at Dayton surrounding the use of the word ‘ghetto,’ as well as the parallels and contrasts it presents to Queen’s. A question and answer period will follow as well as a casual meet and greet with Mr. Veal and Mr. LaDuca afterwards. The event starts at 5:30 pm.