“If we don’t actively seek to reflect the changing racial and ethnic composition of our society, the design profession may well find itself marginalized,” said AIGA executive director Richard Grefé in a press release. “If the profession as a whole cannot communicate to the diversity of cultures that comprise the national and global populations from its own experiences and backgrounds, how can it be considered an effective and critical agent in the economy?”

The initiative aims to increase diversity within the profession by creating awareness of outstanding designers from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds. 

Chosen by the AIGA’s task force on Professional Diversity, twenty-five designers are featured. A virtual gallery, a travelling exhibition and a special collection in the AIGA Design Archives are the various ways the designers and their bodies of work are being showcased.

The ultimate goal of the project is two-fold, says Gabriela Mirensky, director of competitions and exhibits for AIGA. “[It’s] to inspire young people of diverse backgrounds to see the possibility of design as a career and for current professionals in the industry to become more aware of the need for inclusiveness, which is crucial for effective communication.”

Commenting on the Canadian perspective, Lionel Gadoury, president of RGD, says, “Here in Ontario and the GTA in particular, we live in what is recognized as being perhaps the most diverse community in the world. Our diversity spans race, religion and lifestyle and RGD’s membership runs the gamut. 

“Of course assimilation and equitable representation is a process that continues to evolve and with strong English language skills being rather essential to being a professional communications designer in Ontario, it is not as likely to be a first choice for those less fluent.”

Addressing the incorporation of diversity within RGD’s DesignThinkers conference, Gadoury says, ”At events such as DesignThinkers, RGD brings speakers from around the globe to Ontario, adding to our appreciation of cultural diversity and further influencing design trends and attitudes across the province.”

The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada’s new president Jim Hudson says the GDC also reflects and encourages multi-cultural diversity. “GDC members come from diverse backgrounds and live and work in all provinces and territories across the country. The GDC’s Sustainable Design Principles specifically mentions culture as one of our primary responsibilities as designers. And our membership in Icograda gives us access to design organizations around the world, as well as INDIGO, the International Indigenous Design Network, which connects designers worldwide to further indigenous and local design."

He believes the diversity of Canada’s design industry is increasing. “We're seeing more and more international students in design courses. Many of these students choose to stay in Canada and they're bringing their cultural perspectives to their design projects. I think that as they gain experience and confidence, we’ll see more of this reflected in mainstream design and award shows.”  

Design Journeys runs from May 20 to July 23 at the AIGA National Design Center.

Contacts: www.aiga.org, www.rgdontario.com, www.gdc.net