ARTPACT is a conference about the impact public art can make on your community.
The goal of the conference is to make connections between art councils, philanthropists, and artists to utilize public art investments for positive social change
For a more in-depth look at the thought process behind my design choices you can view my case study and brand guidelines.
The context for the conference is rooted in recent events. COVID brought on major shutdowns and we saw businesses board up their windows– those boards were quickly covered with murals, many taking the opportunity to convey messages of hope or social justice as socio-political polarization mounted with the BLM movement and the politicization of COVID. As more artists took the streets, using public spaces to amplify their voices and educate the masses on social justice and public health, as well as spread positivity and messages of hope, I recognized that if this happened on a mass scale, across the country, past just this moment, there could be widespread change on a variety of matters.
Poster design featuring the hand from the Sistine Chapel ceiling and graffiti type- a blend of traditional and contemporary ideas of public art
The problem publicly funded art is often the first thing cut during tough economic times, so art councils can be unwilling to fund content that could be considered divisive or controversial in order to secure future funding. Projects are funded in various ways but usually are managed and executed through the directive of local art councils. Public spaces are shared by the community and therefore art in those spaces is viewed more than art in museums or a post on Instagram; and it's viewed by people who would not usually engage with a certain subject so it can become a community’s most powerful tool for mass education or communication.
logo options, type, and colors of the brand
I saw this conference as a solution, ARTPACT would equip art councils with the knowledge and resources of how to use public art. It's not just about the current trends, but about making a lasting impact on your community. It connects artists and community organizers so that each leaves feeling more equipped to use art as a tool for change. By connecting and equipping artists and art councils with the right tools and knowledge we are sparking a new era of public art.
To draw attention to public art in our communities ARTPACT also has a campaign where we equip communities with QR coded stickers that can be placed next to public artworks. When scanned they will pull up information on the work and a map with other art works near by. The goal of this campaign is to keep communities interested and invested in public art by providing easy access to learn more.
The outcome of using public art for positive change would hopefully be an increase in awareness for any issue. Over time the art can change to meet the needs of the community, but overall it is used as a unifying tool. Attendants of the conference would benefit from increased knowledge on how to accomplish projects and new relationships with artists or art councils that can be a catalyst for their next project.
conference booklet in multiple views
booklet unfolded to show map of area
Some additional design I created for name badges and totes.