Design Within Reach Pops Off
In more bubbly awards news, Design Within Reach has announced the winners of its annual Champagne chair contest. The yearly effort, in partnership with Champagne Pommery, yields a delightful and eclectic smattering of miniature cork masterpieces fashioned to look like midcentury seats. This year, DWR has donated $10,000 to Artist Relief to further mark the occasion.
Good Works
Color of Change, NYSID, and NYCxDesign Make Positive Waves
Color of Change has officially launched its latest initiative, titled the Pedestal Project. The augmented reality effort centers on racial justice. Those looking to participate can use the program to place the images of change-makers like the late Congressman John Lewis atop empty pedestals on which statues of prominent Confederates once stood. The associated Instagram handle is @ColorOfChange.
On the interior design front, NYSID student Chazzten Pettiford has become the first person to receive a scholarship from the school’s new diversity fund. The Diversity in Design Scholarship is made possible in large part thanks to Holland & Sherry and F. Schumacher & Co.
Finally, NYCxDesign has unveiled its first official undertaking under the auspices of its new nonprofit status—the Breakout Grant. The effort includes three monetary awards, one for $15,000 and two for $5,000. NYCxDesign is accepting applications through March 26.
Studies
Perkins&Will and AIA Publish Diversity Best Practices White Paper
A new white paper released last week by Perkins&Will and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) provides best practices for developing and implementing diversity programs at U.S. firms. “Our industry and society are facing an unprecedented convergence of crises. Economic, health, environmental, social, and racial justice challenges have presented us not just with an opportunity, but also a responsibility, to address them,” says author Gabrielle Bullock, who has served as director of global diversity at Perkins&Will since 2013. Written with coauthor Bill Schmalz, the “Creating a Culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Your Architectural Practice” white paper is viewable here. “The profession is long overdue in addressing these topics,” says Schmalz, who is a member of the Perkins&Will LGBTQ+ affinity group in Los Angeles. “We are hoping this paper gives firms a process and the tools they can use to achieve success in creating a culture of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.”
All About Arts
From Europe to the U.S., Three Nonprofits Make News
This week, more news became available about the 2021 U.S. Pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale. Set to be titled “American Framing,” it will look closely at the architecture of wood framing. Also of note, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation launched a new $5 million grant-making program. The effort will aim to specifically aid arts organizations that are seeking to fight climate change. Finally, United States Artists has unveiled 60 new fellows for the year 2021. Each individual will receive $50,000 to help aid their work. This year’s class of recipients is the largest yet for the nonprofit organization.
A Boston Artist Returns Home
Artist Duke Riley is known for public performances that have ricocheted throughout the art world. But the Boston native has never had a solo exhibition in his own hometown, until now. This week, Praise Shadows Art Gallery opened “Lovers, Muggers, and Thieves,” which will remain on view through March 7. The showcase will include original scrimshaws made from found discarded plastic as well as a large-scale mosaic depicting the Great Molasses Flood, which ravaged Boston in 1919.
