Raising Products is a virtual series on art, design, and communities of color. It is about making and unmaking.
The project will expose the design process and its relation to fabrication, branding, and artisanship, as well as spark conversation about the history of Chicago art and design and its relevance to communities of color.
Panelists will discuss early 19th and 20th century artists and designers of color and their relationship with the contemporary state of art and design. Discussion will also address the future of the field as it concerns people of color and ways to open paths to more opportunities, acknowledgment, and visibility — what systems, structures, platforms, and support do artists and designers of color need to thrive?
Kicking off the series are Katherine Darnstadt of Latent Design and Zoë Ryan of the Art Institute of Chicago. Join us live on Zoom at 6pm or watch later on Facebook or Vimeo!
Mark your calendars for the next 2 conversations as well:
April 23, 6pm: Erin Harkey (Deputy Commissioner, Programming, DCASE) and Yohance Lacour (Shoe designer and fabricator, entrepreneur)
April 30, 6pm: Paola Aguirre (Borderless Studio) and Obi Nwazota (Orange Skin)
See all conversation in the series here:
Raising Products: Zoe Ryan and Katherine Darnstadt
Raising Products: Erin Harkey and Yohance Lacour
Raising Products: Paola Aguirre and Obi Nwazota
Raising Products is possible due to support from the Terra Foundation for American Art. The Terra Foundation for American Art is dedicated to fostering exploration, understanding, and enjoyment of the visual arts of the United States for national and international audiences. Recognizing the importance of experiencing original works of art, the foundation provides opportunities for interaction and study, beginning with the presentation and growth of its own art collection in Chicago. To further cross-cultural dialogue on American art, the foundation supports and collaborates on innovative exhibitions, research, and educational programs. Implicit in such activities is the belief that art has the potential both to distinguish cultures and to unite them.
Raising Products is generously hosted by Rebuild Foundation. Rebuild Foundation is a platform for art, cultural development, and neighborhood transformation. Their projects support artists and strengthen communities by providing free arts programming, creating new cultural amenities, and developing affordable housing, studio, and live-work space. Their mission is to make art matter more by demonstrating the impact of innovative, ambitious and entrepreneurial arts and cultural initiatives. The work is informed by three core values: black people matter, black spaces matter, and black things matter. Rebuild leverages the power and potential of communities, buildings, and objects that others have written off. Founded and led by artist Theaster Gates, Rebuild Foundation extends the social engagement of Gates’ studio practice to the South Side of Chicago and beyond.