New residential village to house both students and art

In addition to 1,200 undergraduates, Northeastern’s newest residence hall, International Village, will be home to a range of artistic installations that showcase the university’s commitment to creative expression. Exhibitions include work by Northeastern faculty, students, alumni and other accomplished artists.

A notable addition to the building is a colorful 240 square-foot mural by the renowned urban artist Shepard Fairey. The Fairey installation, which features an image of the artist’s wife, was custom produced and donated to Northeastern.

Watch a video of the Fairey installation

The noticeable increase of art on the Northeastern campus is consistent with the university’s academic plan.

“Creative expression is a vital part of intellectual exploration,” says President Joseph Aoun. “I want our campus to feature a broad tapestry of artwork that inspires everyone associated with the university — from our students and faculty to visitors just passing by.”

In addition to the Fairey mural, International Village will feature a diverse set of exhibitions:

•A first-floor installation showcasing the university’s Lower Roxbury Oral History Project, an effort to preserve the surrounding community’s history and share it with generations to come.

•The Cyber Café “media wall,” located near the dining hall, is made up of 11 46-inch video screens displaying a combination of live and still media from around the world. Passers-by can watch a live-feed from the streets of Tokyo, for example, or observe a series of images from Northeastern study abroad programs.

•A series of photographs by Northeastern graduate Jessica Scranton during her time with “My Sister’s Keeper,” a volunteer organization that works in the Sudan. This installation will be visible from Ruggles Street.

•Northeastern graduate Michael Ulman’s latest motorcycle sculpture, composed of found objects, will hang from the first-floor ceiling.

•Animated sculptures created by Professor Edwin Andrews, chair of Northeastern’s Art + Design department, will be installed outside the building.

•Two topographical photos taken by associate professor Julie Curtis will hang opposite each other in one of the stairwells. The installation is meant to alter the perspective of those who walk up and down the stairs.

•Photographs taken by students on some of Northeastern’s many study abroad programs will be hung on the north walls of the lowest floor.