A-Z presents: Design and Solidarity or when graphic design goes political

To mark the end of its -highly political- current exhibition "New Anthems VI (Berlin)" by design group Inkahoots, A-Z presents "Gestaltung und Solidarität – Wie kann Grafik Design politisch sein?" (Design and Solidarity - How can graphic design be political?), an open discussion evening which tackles the importance of graphic design in politics and society with Mara Recklies, Susanne Beer (ZOFF) and Sandy Kaltenborn.

“Our main topic will be applied political design practice, with a special focus on graphic design. We would like to find out how we as designers can work politically and make a contribution to society” notes A—Z. “We have invited practitioners who are active in this field and critically engage with it. The discussion will primarily address the content, obstacles, priorities of the individual and (in)visibility within approaches to working in this field. What priorities can we set in regard to current social issues and crises? What concrete contributions can we make as graphic designers? What contradictions do we face and what are the consequences of working politically in our practice?”

Mara Recklies is a philosopher and deals with contemporary culture, design and technology. She is particularly interested in the political dimensions of design. Her focus is on criticism, protest, and other resistant practices. Susanne Beer is part of "ZOFF", a collective for visual communication that merged in 2019. Besides her, ZOFF consists of Laura Maikowski, Pierre Maite and Gustav Pursche. Together they focus their work on social and activist projects. Sandy Kaltenborn is a communication designer and runs the office image-shift.net since 1999. In addition, two years ago he founded the tenant association Kotti & Co together with neighbours at the Kottbusser Tor. He is committed to the social housing sector in Berlin.

The discussion "Gestaltung und Solidarität – Wie kann Grafik Design politisch sein?" (in German) will be presented by Franzi Bauer and Toni Brell on the 29th of August 2019 and the admission is free. More info on this insightful event here.