Diversity & Inclusion Webcast Series: Episode Three

Jamaal Bell, Dario Fidanza & Kim Hopson

About this episode

This third webcast in the series highlighted the need to go back to basics and demonstrated AIGA is actively conducting conversations around equity, one of its core values. During this episode, we addressed the very definitions and myths about implicit bias and how we can all gain higher consciousness of our own prejudices and stereotypes–whether directed to race, physical/mental conditions, or sexual orientation. “I believe the most important action is awareness and education. It’s like in the saying, ‘Does the fish know it’s swimming in water, if all it knows it knows.’ So getting out of comfort zones, curiosity, and willingness to be challenged is key, in my opinion,” said guest speaker Dario Fidanza.

About the panel

  • Jamaal Bell is the director of communications at The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University.

  • Dario Fidanza, AIGA Austin is a designer with experience in UX, print, packaging, fashion, film and digital design, who loves building community engagement and ventures as part of his time as an organizer for several local design groups, creating conversations on the impact of design, inclusion and ethics into the field.
  • Kim Hopson, AIGA Austin is a dstudio artist, art educator, and community arts advocate based in Austin, Texas, curator for the Giving Voice poster exhibition through the Texas branch of VSA Arts.

This conversation was moderated by Laetitia Wolff AIGA director of strategic initiatives.

Highlights

  • Debunking myths: Jamaal talked about ways in which one can encourage mindfulness of implicit bias and stereotypes and openly address them in a comprehensive way.
  • Fighting discrimination: Dario spoke of leveraging UX/UI skills to enable activist groups that support LGBT youth while the legislature in Texas is currently challenging not only federal law on gay marriage rights but also Trans laws.
  • Teaching the teacher: Kim discussed how an arts program can engage autistic budding teenage artists but also train designers to learn new skills become empathic and gain a new sense of humility

Additional resources

About the series

Mixing information inspiration and practical instruction the Diversity & Inclusion webcast series will offer opportunities for dialog leadership development and training. It will feature select guest speakers—AIGA members task force members and beyond—who are active practitioners in the fields of diversity and inclusion ability social impact design racial justice and more.

This webcast series is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.