This talk and panel discussion will discuss how the design sector can collectively foster a culture of inclusion.
Creative Futures Academy (CFA), DesignOpp and The Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) invite you to attend a special talk and panel discussion as part of a series of events for the official launch of CFA. The event marks the formal launch of NCAD’s new CFA Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Diversity commencing in 2023, along with NCAD’s new BA module in Designing Diversity developed and delivered in partnership with DesignOpp.
Design has the capacity to generate shared language and connect people and communities. It offers powerful means for conveying ideas and shaping experiences across boundaries. Today we see those forms resonate more than ever before in the multilingual, culturally heterogeneous, digitally interconnected spaces around the globe.
There is a striking lack of diversity in the design sector, and design schools, studios and agencies do not reflect contemporary society.
This talk and panel discussion will discuss how the design sector can collectively foster a culture of inclusion that welcomes difference, promotes agency and facilitates shared community building. Enabling long marginalised voices to join and substantively transform our design discourses, and engaging with global perspectives and a more expansive spectrum of design cultures, practices, and competencies.
Mic Chikanda
Mic is co-founder of DesignOpp and is a Black Irish designer based in Ireland creating holistic brands for Iocal and international clients. His work encompasses editorial design (Cape Township Times Newspaper , BusInc Magazine & DDI College Prospectus), logo & brand identity consulting, graphic design and advertising. BA Hons Degree and Masters Degree in Design Practice. His life experiences as a black designer in Ireland gave birth to DesignOpp.
Dr. Jacinda N. Walker
Dr. Jacinda N. Walker is renowned for her work in design, diversity, research, and strategy. She is the founder and creative director of designExplorr, a social impact organization whose mission addresses the diversity gap within the design profession. Her research on Design Journeys: Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Design Disciplines has been hailed as breakthrough work. This solutions-based thesis explores diversity in design disciplines and investigates effective strategies to expose Black and Latino youth to design careers. Dr. Walker’s future goals are to help scale diversity in design initiatives within education institutions, corporations, organisations, and museums.
Greg Osborne
Greg is co-founder of DesignOpp and is an Ireland-based Branding and Design Consultant. His role in DesignOpp is to oversee educational progress, focusing on curriculum change and in-school activities.
