Interpreting the Figure: Culture and Context

The pandemic of COVID-19 dramatically changed the world that was familiar, causing us to see and notice things in new and surprising ways. The role of artists and designers is, and has always been, to comment and reflect on cultural changes, but also to anticipate and inspire changes to come. This plight has brought renewed emphasis on the critical role artists and designers play during times of world complexity and uncertainty. In a time where stringent rules and rigidity take precedence for reasons of safety, we call for creative young people to access a more ‘pliable mindset’ – applying art and design methodologies to chart new territories of creation, processing and problem solving. In forging fresh methods of creating, we open our brains to opportunities beyond art-making – we are planting the seeds for creating active solutions in the face of crises. Under these circumstances, artists are given permission to shake up the ‘traditional’ ways of making, encourage full-blown experimentation and fresh, forward thinking that leads to real innovation. Come join us online this summer and learn how to create your vision for a better world!