DESIG*ness new Summer School in Riga

We are thrilled to announce the second stage of the DESIG*ness Summer School Program 2024, taking place in Riga from September 16th to 20th. This session continues our journey of exploring inclusivity in design, with a focus on creating multi-sensory experiences that go beyond traditional visual perceptions. The Summer School in Riga will offer students a unique opportunity to engage with inclusive design through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects.

Students from NABA in Italy, the Art Academy of Latvia in Riga, and Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania will participate in “SEEING BEYOND SIGHT: Designing Multi-Sensory Experiences” thought by the leading professor Barbara Abele (in collaboration with Adele Bērziņa and Rihards Funts). This inclusive program consists of three workshops that encourage an inter-diversity, inter-nationality, and interdisciplinary approach. Participants will work closely with blind and visually impaired people to co-create art and design processes, expanding their understanding of how design can be experienced through senses other than sight.

Program highlights in Riga:

Inclusive workshops: three workshops focusing on space and movement, materiality and sensuality, and visual art and perception will guide students to design through a multi-sensory lens.some text
- Art accessibility for people with visual impairments: conducted by Adele Bērziņa (PhD researcher, Curator) and Rihards Funts (Designer, Founder of MAD Design Summer Schools) at the Latvian National Museum of Art.
- Art. Space. Movement: Led by Ieva Lāce Lukševica (Architect, Lecturer, Interior Design Department) and Elīna Cērpa (Director, Latvian Puppet Theatre, Scenographer) at the Art Academy of Latvia, Building K2 courtyard.
- Materiality - social innovation and multi-sensor experience: Taught by Ūna Laukmane (Textile Artist, Illustrator) and Ieva Krūmiņa (Textile Artist, Professor).
Collaboration with visually impaired participants: engage with individuals who are blind or visually impaired, gaining insights into how design can communicate beyond sight.
Co-Creation and prototyping: students will work together to ideate, create prototypes, and test their designs, emphasizing social design and accessibility.
Final presentation: the week concludes with a presentation open to the public, where students will showcase their innovative projects, demonstrating new forms of design and art perception.

This initiative is supported by Apeirons, an NGO dedicated to disability rights and social inclusion. The program will take place in key venues, including the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Art Academy of Latvia.

Are you curious to find out what will happen during the different stages? Stay tuned, as we'll keep you updated with the latest news and video highlights from the events in our partners' social media channels!

‍