Design Arts

"Air Conditioner Harming the Planet" by Gary Taxali, an Abbetuck favorite and Canadian artist known for his retro-style pop art and illustrations.

Graphic Design. Interior Design. Fashion Design. Industrial Design.

How have design artists activated their talents for our common good? What action can you take today?

If you are a designer, here are ways you might harness your creativity and talents to inspire, mobilize and unite people around common causes:

  • Raise Awareness: You can create works that highlight social issues, raise awareness, and educate the public. This can include everything from posters and paintings to public installations, all aimed at sparking conversations and informing viewers.

  • Advocate for Change: Use your platforms to advocate for policy changes and support activist movements. Through your art, you can call for justice, equity, and systemic reforms, urging viewers to act and get involved.

  • Promote Inclusivity: By creating art that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, you can promote inclusivity and celebrate underrepresented communities. This helps to challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society.

  • Challenge the Status Quo: Through innovative and provocative art, you can challenge societal norms and question the status quo. This can inspire viewers to think critically about existing power structures and consider alternative possibilities.

  • Foster Community Engagement: Collaborate with communities to create projects that reflect their values, needs, and stories. These collaborative efforts empower communities, giving them a voice and a platform to express their concerns and aspirations.

Raise Awareness

"Before I Die" is a global art project that invites people to reflect on death and share their personal aspirations in public. Originally created by artist Candy Chang in New Orleans after the death of a loved one, there are now more than 5,000 walls around the world. Photo by Trevor Cole.

Advocate for Change

In 1936, authorities accused Eva Zeisel of plotting to kill Stalin and arrested her after they found a pistol in her sewing machine. She fled to the United States in 1938 and used her designs to promote social justice, advocate for the rights of workers and support fair labor practices.

Promote Inclusivity

"I Wonder What It's Like To Be Dyslexic" by graphic designer Sam Barclay (himself dyslexic) invites others to understand what it feels like to live with dyslexia.

Challenge the Status Quo

Alexander McQueen offended and infuriated people with his theatrical, controversial fashion collections. His runway shows were immersive, multi-sensory experiences that engaged and moved people. “Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution,” he once said.

Foster Community Engagement

DesignTO brings people together to design a better future that is sustainable, just and joyful. As Canada’s largest non-profit design festival, the ten-day event features more than one hundred free events and exhibitions across Toronto.

Known for her commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, Stella McCartney designs collections that challenge the fashion industry's environmental impact. Her work promotes eco-friendly fashion and raises awareness about the importance of sustainable practices.

Victor Papanek  was a pioneer in sustainable and socially responsible design.
Dwell with Dignity started as a way for the interior design community to give back because it knows that good design is anything but frivolous.

Dwell with Dignity started as a way for the interior design community to give back because it knows that good design is anything but frivolous. It creates meaningful change.

Are you aware of a design artist who is mobilizing meaningful change in the world with their art form?