Toaster’s Post

🥳 Today, DID turns 3 and we are #ThrivingTogether. 🥳 Our impact over the last three years is directly connected to the collaborative efforts of our member companies, individual contributors, and community partners. Together we are making strides toward a more diverse and equitable design industry.   ➡️ Swipe to learn more about our impact over the past three years. #DIDTurns3 #DiversityinDesign

⭐️ Meet our speaker - Killian Poolmans (he/him), Founder and designer of PINKHAMMER. 🔥 Killian helps teams to increase the impact of their products. He does this by making the teams more creative and their innovation processes more inclusive. By establishing design and innovation processes within growing team, his goal is to contribute to a workforce that creates products and services for the full spectrum of society. 🗣️ Killian's speech topic will be called: "Design is Resistance". As the world grapples with the rise of authoritarianism, climate change and the growing influence of AI, design is changing. These challenges demand that designers recognise their role as more than creators of products—they are shapers of systems and stewards of societal values. Design is not neutral; it either reinforces or challenges the status quo. This talk explores how design has historically driven social movements, drawing from feminist design theory, Queer Theory, and Solarpunk to offer new frameworks for ethical, inclusive, and resilient practices. Through compelling examples and case studies, designers are called to confront harmful trends and reimagine solutions that empower communities and meet society’s evolving needs. This is a rallying cry for designers to harness their skills with intention, shaping a better future through meaningful, transformative change. 🎟️ Get your Pass now: https://lnkd.in/dCpViNs7

DD Spotlight - illuminating the Path Forward in Design. DD Spotlight is the platform for engaging panel discussions and insightful keynotes, where leading figures from the design fraternity come together to exchange ideas, debate the future of design, and discuss pressing industry trends. These thought-provoking sessions will highlight the voices of established professionals, emerging talents, and design innovators, making DD Spotlight an unmissable feature of Design Democracy 2024. Whether you are an industry veteran or a passionate newcomer, these discussions will broaden your understanding of design's impact and future direction. #dd #dd2024

"Design is never neutral—it either upholds or challenges the status quo.” 🔥 Look I’m not going to lie, watching the world veer onto a dangerous road with no control over the wheel made me feel a little hopeless these past few weeks 😶 But while looking for the wheel, Natia Gogia invited me to speak at Touch Platform's summit, a yearly event that provides a stage for designers, innovators and founders to share their vision on the future of tech, design and business. 💡 So instead of trying to find that wheel, I started drawing a map. With obstacles like the rise of authoritarianism ahead, I realised that design must resist. 🗺 In my talk, Design is Resistance, I’ll explore how design has shaped past movements—and how it can do so in the future. Instead of gaining control over the wheel, I’ll happily share some navigation insights for those looking for it. Probably for the best, I don’t even have a drivers license anyway. 🚗

Empowering Communities through Art: A Toolkit for Embedded Artistic Practice At coLAB Arts, we are deeply committed to the belief that the arts are essential in building stronger, more connected communities. Lane Michael Stanley was in residence this past year with permanent supportive housing organization Mission First Housing Group and has a fresh take on outlining a critical framework for how artists can embed themselves within communities to foster collaboration, connection, and meaningful impact. Community-embedded artistic practice is not just about creating art for an audience, but rather with the community—elevating shared stories and ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard. The strategies discussed in this toolkit offer valuable insights for artists and community leaders looking to drive change through creative collaboration. Even if that means offering snacks and a place to charge a phone. Bravo Lane. We hope others are encouraged to consider this approach and how these practices can further engage and strengthen the communities we serve. Read the full article here and let us know what you think! https://lnkd.in/eepNnnEp #CommunityArt #CreativeCollaboration #ArtAndCommunity #CulturalInnovation #SocialImpact

Artwork is Real Work! Arts workers are major contributors to California’s economy, culture, and community well-being. Yet there are few to no social protections for artists to thrive as a workforce. An artist's work is not seen as labor and more often than not is misconceived as a luxury or a pastime. Artists are bringing solutions to health and climate change. They are trusted messengers across government departments such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Housing and Urban Development, helping leverage resources to communities. Artists also run creative businesses and not only boost local economies but also provide vital space for community building and civic engagement. Artists deserve conditions to thrive and need to be legitimized as a workforce and industry. Join our #ACCM2024 campaign this April to prove that #ArtWorkisRealWork Visit: bit.ly/engage-accm and help us spread the word about the need to invest in creative workers, creative businesses, and creative solutions. #artisreal #artworkisrealwork #creativebusiness #creativeindustry #creativesmatter #artmatters #promoteart #artgallery

🎨 The Heartbeat of Our Community: The Importance of Art and the Role of Art Consultancy 🎨 Art is not just paint on canvas or a sculpture in a park; it is the very essence of our communities. It breathes life into our streets, tells our stories, and reflects our shared experiences. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the profound impact of art can often be overlooked. Imagine walking through your neighborhood. Each mural, each installation, each gallery glows with the pulse of creativity. But behind this vibrancy lies a crucial ally: art consultancy. Art consultants are the champions of local artists. They are the bridge connecting talented creators with communities eager to embrace their work. These passionate advocates not only elevate the visibility of local art but also foster a sense of belonging and identity. They curate art events that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, creating opportunities for connection and dialogue. When we support local artists, we cultivate a rich tapestry of culture. We empower voices that deserve to be heard. Art consultancy plays a pivotal role in nurturing this ecosystem. They identify potential, guide emerging talent, and orchestrate exhibitions that engage and inspire. But it's more than just showcasing talent; it's about igniting conversations. Art events spark dialogue around important social issues, inviting us to reflect, challenge, and celebrate our humanity. They remind us that art is a communal force, capable of uniting diverse perspectives and fostering understanding. In a world increasingly driven by technology, let us not forget the power of creativity. Let us advocate for local art and support those who champion it. Together, we can weave a narrative that celebrates our community’s richness and resilience through artistic expression. Are you ready to embrace the art in your community? Join the movement. Support, engage, and elevate! Because when art flourishes, we all thrive. #CommunityArt #ArtConsultancy #ArtMatters #CulturalImpact #ArtInCommunity #CreativeConsulting #ArtAndCulture #CommunityEngagement #ArtInfluence #ArtForChange

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at CenturyPly. We believe that everyone deserves access to the spaces they love, regardless of limitations. Together, we’re creating a world where accessibility is a priority, not an afterthought. Watch our film to see how we're making a difference. Know More - https://lnkd.in/giAZWNbE #CenturyHeroes

This is precisely why I don’t ascribe to the concept of ‘white allyship.’ It implies that anti-blackness and -brownness are problems of those communities, rather than white folks recognizing the establishment of structural racism as a political-economic tool of subjugation. White folks have to internally interrogate whiteness and dismantle racialized hegemony, not just support efforts of oppressed populations. Ultimately, racism erodes and harms all within the construct, divesting everyone from their existence as sovereign beings.

Artwork is Real Work! Arts workers are major contributors to California’s economy, culture, and community well-being. Yet there are few to no social protections for artists to thrive as a workforce. An artist's work is not seen as labor and more often than not is misconceived as a luxury or a pastime. Artists are bringing solutions to health and climate change. They are trusted messengers across government departments such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Housing and Urban Development, helping leverage resources to communities. Artists also run creative businesses and not only boost local economies but also provide vital space for community building and civic engagement. Artists deserve conditions to thrive and need to be legitimized as a workforce and industry. Join our #ACCM2024 campaign this April to prove that #ArtWorkisRealWork Visit: bit.ly/engage-accm and help us spread the word about the need to invest in creative workers, creative businesses, and creative solutions. #artisreal #artworkisrealwork #creativebusiness #creativeindustry #creativesmatter #artmatters #promoteart #artgallery