AIGA Indianapolis is the local chapter of the national association for design. Though we’ve been in the city for over 25 years, we’ve made a conscious effort to reframe how we connect to the creative community throughout our city.
In the coming year, our board has committed to attracting and retaining local leaders passionate about making a difference. We’re also increasing our collaboration with creative organizations and individuals. With so many great people and organizations doing work in Indy, we want to be part of fueling individuals with good ideas on expanding design across the city. Additionally, our design impact team formed a Creative Community Network to forge better ties among creative groups in the city. We’ll also be focusing our programming efforts on filling gaps and bolstering our presence at existing local meetups.
Coming this October 3-10th, we’re partnering with several design-related organizations throughout Indy to host events during 2018 Indianapolis Design Week. The idea behind design week is designating a week for people throughout the city to host events centered around the many forms of design.
Rather than one group “owning” Design Week, we view it as a community-centered activity that amplifies Indy. It gives us a chance to meet people in different spaces, learn from each other, and hopefully ignite ties and cross-pollination that drives the city forward in diverse ways. In this first year, we’re just hoping to activate awareness with the hope that future Design Weeks will be steered collaboratively and receive support from a broad array of community groups and partners.
In addition to AIGA Indy, other groups hosting events during design week include the Indy chapter of the Interaction Design Association (IxDA), Service Design Network, Newfields, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana State Museum, among others. Over a dozen events are scheduled including conferences, workshops, and meetups. Whether you’re a passionate designer or simply interested, you’ll find something for you on the calendar. Visit the Indy Design Week website at indydesignweek.com.
Whether you’re a member of AIGA, a lapsed member, or have never heard of us, we’re interested in working with people committed to making Indianapolis a place where designers create, play, work, and thrive. Email our Vice President for Partnerships Ron Bronson at partnerships@indianapolis.aiga.org or our President Kolby Mcelvain to learn more about how you might get involved, or to share your ideas about how to make Indy a great city for creative designers of all types.
Ron Bronson is an experience designer and global speaker. He currently serves as Vice President of Partnerships for AIGA Indianapolis.
