VISual advocacy

kansas city art institute // a four-year college of art & design, offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree

senior-level required 3-credit course since 2004

description
this semester-long course focuses on the notion of “designing for social change”, utilizing the tools and methods of creative thinkers for positive influence in communities. “visual advocacy” explores the range of ways we can empower others by initiating or co-authoring creative projects through direct engagement with the community, becoming socially and politically active as designers. we use readings on theory, history, current issues, and key players to inform our work with local community activists in identifying and proposing solutions for the real problems their communities face.

general working process

instructor builds connections with local community partners.
instructor and community partners determine a general area of need, with room for students to identify specific problems and pose specific solutions.
kick-off meeting / field trip to visit the community partners and area.
students research and make additional connections, ideally collaborating with community partners on identifying specific problems.
students co-design solutions with community partners.
final proposals are crafted, complete with budgets, digital files, implementation instructions, and vendor resources.

2019 fall

community partner: metropolitan energy center [mec]

a three-panel removable sign adds much-needed visibility to the home, identifying it as a project home for the metro energy center.

confirmation is given, upon approaching the door, that one is at the right place. basics about the nature of the home are also provided.

inside, circular removable stickers are strategically placed to inform visitors about the various energy-efficient features and products within the home.

“project living proof” signage system – jessica bee
sample images from jessica’s proposal for mec’s “project living proof” home, showcasing many energy-efficiency features throughout. the home has no signage whatsoever and is often mistaken for a normal residence.

a “sprouted seed” marker on street signs indicate that this is an area where urban agriculture is taking place.

a more specific sign directs people to the nearest community garden nearby.

each community garden would have unified signs as indicated in this photo simulation, giving a strong and easily-recognizable presence for community gardens throughout the city.

a clear labeling system and consistent information for all gardens could be provided on google maps to increase access to these invaluable resources.

a photo simulation of what a shared backyard space might look like in peak production.

a photo simulation of what a repurposed boulevard [paseo, in this case] could look like with increased urban agriculture.

promoting urban agriculture in kansas city – caroline heiss, rachel walter
a proposal to re-purpose under-utilized abutting backyards, existing community gardens, and select boulevard areas for increased urban farming. a cohesive visual identity [physical and interactive map-based] directs folks to nearby gardens and provides consistent information city-wide.

2018 fall

community partner: communities creating opportunity

preschool in a box – kelsey mack, sydney sanders, jenna schwartze
a do-it-yourself curriculum with materials and instructions for working-class parents who cannot afford preschool. the box could be checked out by parents at local libraries, community centers, and churches.
view final project presentation

loop [lending our own pennies] – alli sevareid
loop is a basic plan for a locally-sourced no-interest loan program designed to combat payday loans. it would exist as a website that connects local micro-lenders to local folks in need of funds.
recognition – 2019 finalist in the student category – fast company World Changing Ideas awards [national]
view final project presentation

2012 fall

community partner: rosedale development association

healthy pick – sam mak, mckenzie marston, jessie ren, jessica rojas
an interactive, game-based curriculum for ages seven to eleven to help them understand the “why” behind choosing healthy foods.
view final project presentation
view project video

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pop up park: imagine. create. play – ivan alonso
addressing lack of park and play resources through a diy approach that stimulates creative play and imagination.
view final project presentation

2010 fall

community partner: rosedale development association

the billboard along I-35 near the park was produced using part of a $4500 grant the student won in a national design competition.

buttons to generate interest in the sidewalk / crosswalk campaign were given out at neighborhood businesses and through the rosedale development association.

an initial crosswalk test was done “guerilla style” to pique interest in the area.

a website was created to generate conversation about the project within the neighborhood. a new comment would add a new tile to begin completing the picture of the crosswalk area.

the site also contained a video documenting the process of designing and implementing the campaign..

amanda laffoon, tom morse-brown, tammy shell: “i need a sidewalk” is a campaign to publicize the need for adequate sidewalks and a crosswalk leading to rosedale park to provide neighborhood access across busy mission road in KCK. this included a billboard on I-35, buttons, input forms at local businesses, and a website. the project kickstarted a conversation that ultimately led to the city council approving the project.
recognition – “implementation award” from design ignites change – $4700 [national]
view project video