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Designmatters Library of PSA’s

ABOUT DESIGNMATTERS


"Social impact projects that come into the classroom and burst out into the field are thrilling.  When you experience them up close, it becomes about the rush of creativity that results from the synergy of many minds and one joint purpose: generating tangible solutions that make a lasting difference in people’s lives." - Mariana Amatullo, Director, Designmatters Department

 



In a global environment shifting at rapid pace, a profound paradigm shift is underway which is transforming the way we lead our lives, relate and communicate with others, acquire and communicate knowledge, and engage in the larger world.  We are also at a tipping point when global inequalities, unprecedented economic complexities and intractable social problems are demanding multidisciplinary and collective solutions and new entrepreneurial models that can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Through Designmatters at Art Center College of Design, students are invited to apply their talent, creativity and tool-box of skills to address some of the most troubling humanitarian and social challenges of our time with empathy, discipline, and unwavering optimism to effect change.

Designmatters is an educational department that partners with every discipline at Art Center to focus on art and design education with a social impact agenda and “real-world” outcomes that are implemented through a series of unique partnerships and alliances with global development agencies, government groups, academic institutions, local and national non-profits, and leading industry

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OUR MISSION


Through research, advocacy and action, Designmatters engages, empowers and leads an ongoing exploration of design as a positive force in society.

The common goal of all Designmatters projects is simple: take art and design education as a catalyst and change agent.  And imagine and build a better and more humane future for all.

DESIGNMATTERS THEMES


Designmatters projects are conducted year-round at Art Center. Each may focus on one or more of the following themes: