Culture
24 Mar 21

New platform to champion diversity in Irish design and creative industries launching tomorrow

"We were moved to establish DesignOpp after the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Summer of 2020," says founding partner Grace Enemaku. "It made us think about the kind of racial inequalities we face in Ireland and consider how we can do our part to make our industry a better place for people of colour."

DesignOpp , a not-for-profit initiative partnered with the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), launches tomorrow, March 25, with a virtual event. The new platform, which aims 'to uplift people of colour working across the design and creative industries' in Ireland, will launch an online directory tomorrow, for people of colour working in graphic design, illustration, 3D/motion, web, UI/UX, architecture, product design, interior design, photography and videography.

According to US figures, Black men and women make up just 3% of the design industry – a statistic DesignOpp are committed to changing.

The virtual event will feature Home School Hub star Emer O'Neill, brand identity specialist John Murinye, and graphic designer Farouk Alao (pictured, below). Charlotte Barker, CEO of the IDI, will introduce the event, while Dublin-based creative and content manager Timi Ogunyemi is set to host.

DesignOpp aim to change the face of the design industry in Ireland by: helping students of colour harness their creative skills; broadening the curriculum in education to include more designers of colour; establishing a framework that offers designers of colour paid internships and mentorships; and creating a platform online featuring designers of colour, to boost their profile.

“We were moved to establish DesignOpp after the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Summer of 2020," says founding partner Grace Enemaku. "It made us think about the kind of racial inequalities we face in Ireland and consider how we can do our part to make our industry a better place for people of colour. Now, with thanks to funding support from Dublin City Council we are thrilled to launch the directory today, and are grateful to all the POC who have already volunteered their time and energy to make this a reality.”

“We must all play our part to ensure every talent is allowed to shine, which is why we are delighted to have partnered with a formidable team of designers, strategists and creators to support this crucial initiative," adds Charlotte Barker, CEO of the IDI. "We must actively challenge our biases to ensure an anti-racist, inclusive Irish design profession, in which all designers can thrive.”

DesignOpp's virtual launch kicks off at 6pm tomorrow, March 25. Tickets are available here.