BLACK BY DESIGN
A Symposium and Exhibition
Exploring Innovation and Identity
About the
Events
The Black by Design Symposium and Virtual Exhibition is a thought-provoking exploration into the diverse landscape of Black design, where creativity intersects with cultural identity and societal transformation. Scholars, designers, and artists will examine the dynamic world of design through the lens of African American heritage and creativity.
Through a panel discussion and a virtual exhibition, participants will have the chance to broaden their understanding of the various aspects of Black design and its influence across fields such as graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, and interior architecture.
The anticipated value and impact of the event lie in its potential to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration across disciplines, and drive positive change within the design industry. By amplifying the voices and perspectives of Black designers and addressing sociopolitical and cultural issues, the symposium will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive design landscape.
Supported by
The BXD Symposium is supported by the Arts Alive Program at SDSU. Arts Alive is a campus initiative to support arts-centric research and project development. It is dedicated to providing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff at San Diego State University to engage in the arts as an integral part of a comprehensive education that promotes creative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, professional innovation, and personal enrichment on campus and in the community.
Our Goals:
• To raise awareness of the vibrant arts programming at SDSU while increasing attendance at SDSU arts events both on and off campus
• To integrate arts activities into a wider range of academic life at SDSU, encouraging the participation of students in all disciplines
• To facilitate collaborations among students and faculty in the arts, humanities, and sciences in courses that apply artistic practices as a mode of critical inquiry
• To develop a national profile for SDSU as a progressive educational institution, providing
arts-based models of interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and program assessment.
REDEFINING CREATIVITY REIMAGINING RESEARCH RECONSTRUCTING KNOWLEDGE
The Symposium
The symposium aims to illuminate the often-underestimated contributions of Black designers throughout history and address sociopolitical and cultural issues inherent in design practices. Interdisciplinary panel discussions explore the intersection of Black identity with design, the role of design in advocating for social justice and equity, and the impact of cultural appropriation in design. The symposium panelists range from Black designers and scholars to activists and industry professionals committed to diversity and inclusion.
The Virtual Art + Design Exhibitions
Black design industry professionals participating as panelists in the symposium will showcase their work inspired by the central themes of the symposium. These works may be viewed through the virtual exhibition space.
A juried exhibition of student work will feature the art and designs of students at SDSU. Students enrolled in joint Art & Design/Humanities classes will submit their designs inspired by the symposium’s central themes. Additionally, to enhance Black student representation and access to SDSU’s Design Programs, students from local community colleges and high schools are encouraged to participate in the design contest.
ORGANIZERS & MODERATORS
Advocates for Change
Avery Caldwell
Professor of Integrated Design at San Diego State University
Dr. Kishauna Soljour
Professor of Humanities at San Diego State University
FEATURED
SPEAKERS
Distinguished Experts and Idea Leaders
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Ugochi Iwuaba
Award Winning Fashion Designer
Mathew Barnes
Creative Director, Design Systems
VMware by Broadcom
Michael Robinson
Co-Founder & Principal Architect of Robi4 Architecture & Planning Inc.
President, National Organization of Minority Architects, San Diego Chapter
Kevin Bethune
Best-Selling Author, Founder & Chief Creative Officer dreams • design + life
Steffi Reyes-Thomas
Founder and Chief of Holistic-Spaces Design Consultancy
Justin Greene
Design Leader, Pinterest
Erwin Hines
Artist, Designer, Creative Director
Founder FUTURE IS COLOR
Excellence
Black
Thought
Design
creativity
identity
innovation
heritage
“Creativity shapes our culture, our identity is strengthened by diversity, and through it, we gain recognition and respect; through innovation, we set standards, and we drive progress; and through heritage, we preserve our legacy and are grounded in the wisdom of the past.”
SYMPOSIUM
ENGAGING
DISCUSSIONS
Critical
Conversations
The Black by Design Symposium will foster critical conversations on the pivotal role of Black designers in shaping culture, innovation, and social justice. Discussions will address historical contributions and contemporary challenges, emphasizing representation and empowerment in the design industry. Participants will explore how design can be a tool for activism, advocating for equitable and inclusive practices. The symposium will also highlight future directions, encouraging young designers to envision and create a more just and diverse design landscape. These dialogues aim to inspire, educate, and mobilize the design community toward systemic change and greater recognition of Black creativity.
Black Design Professionals
The virtual exhibition of Black designers offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase the creativity, innovation, and cultural significance of Black design professionals. The exhibition serves as a platform to amplify the voices and talents of designers who have historically been underrepresented in mainstream design discourse. The exhibition features a diverse range of design disciplines, including graphic design, fashion, architecture, product design, and digital media. Each designer explores their inspirations, cultural influences, and the impact of their designs on the industry and society. By curating and sharing the works of Black designers in a virtual space, the exhibition reaches a global audience, offering education, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the rich contributions of Black designers to the creative world.
Design
Students
Juried Exhibition of Student Work The virtual student exhibition will feature designs and artwork of students from San Diego State University (SDSU), local community colleges, and high schools whose work focuses on four impactful themes: Black Design Heritage and Innovation, Representation and Empowerment, Social Justice and Activism, and Future Directions and Possibilities. The exhibition is juried by design professionals, and awards will be announced at the Symposium. This exhibition and contest provide a unique opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents while engaging with critical social and cultural themes.
SCHEDULE
LOCATION
San Diego State University
Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Theater
6075 Aztec Circle Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7800
(619) 594-5278
November 12
2024
6:00PM
OPENING REMARKS
Arzu Ozkal, SDSU Arts Aive
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dr. Kishauna Soljour, SDSU
6:15PM
WELCOME
Avery Caldwell, SDSU
6:30PM
KEYNOTE
Ugochi Iwuaba
6:45PM
PANEL INTRODUCTIONS
Avery Caldwell, SDSU
7:00PM
PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATED BY
Avery Caldwell, SDSU
Dr. Kishauna Soljour, SDSU
8:00PM
Q + A
8:15PM
Break
8:25PM
VIRTUAL EXHIBITION PREVIEW
Avery Caldwell, SDSU
8:30PM
STUDENT AWARD
PRESENTATIONS
SDSU/AIGA Students
8:50PM
CLOSING REMARKS
OUR
PARTNERS
San Diego State University
Black Resource Center
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NOVEMBER 12, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
San Diego State University
Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Theater
6075 Aztec Circle Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7800