AIGA LA’s president shares his thoughts on strengthening the design communities of L.A.
There is a virtual explosion of design happenings throughout Los Angeles at the moment! Just a quick look at the design-hub, AIGALosAngeles.org reveals a dozen or more events and activities for face-to-face, real-life human connection. This is only a tiny smattering of the incredible variety and scope of the design activities going on.
One key way AIGA LA hopes to support and strengthen communities of design is through forging partnerships that maximize the impact of our efforts, with organizations that have similar vision and values. A very relevant example of this is the coalition of presenting partners for the inaugural Design Week LA. The coalition between local chapters of the American Institute of Architects, AIGA, the Industrial Designers Society of America, the Interaction Design Association, The Society of Environmental Graphic Designers, provides a demonstration of what can happen when just a few of the design-related organizations come together in mutual support of a larger cause. That cause, as stated in the mission of Design Week LA, is the “....celebration of design that inspires and brings together Los Angeles’ abundant and vital design communities by promoting a wider awareness of design through initiatives and programming that highlight the richness and diversity of design activities happening throughout the communities of Los Angeles.”
Ours is arguably the largest creative economy in the world, yet we often feel totally isolated and unconnected to others throughout the vastness that is the design industry of Los Angeles. You of AIGA can help bridge all these micro and macro communities, for the purpose of strengthening, and re-energising ourselves, our neighborhoods and our networks.
I look forward to seeing you at Design Week activities!
Yours,
Jimmy
