ECONOUS2019

Graphic Design Won’t Save the World – But it Can Help | Jay Wall:
As we face urgent societal challenges, we need to engage others in our work and inspire them to take action. In this era of fake news and information overload, good visual communication cuts through the noise and makes complex topics understandable so that people can rally around solutions. Jay will share how experiencing a wrongful arrest inspired him to become a social entrepreneur, and what he has learned from a decade of storytelling in the social sector – examples of how graphic design can help make community development more inclusive, promote climate action, and even save lives in humanitarian crises.


Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Lighting up the North | Lana Selbee:
In September 2018, NorthLight Innovation opened its doors in Whitehorse, Yukon. This 24,0000 sq. ft. hub combines an incredibly unique blend of tenants, public and private partners and members of the creative and startup communities. The hub was launched and is managed by Yukonstruct Society, a local nonprofit organization that began as a small, community-driven makerspace five years prior. The mission of the hub is to increase innovation through collaboration, grow successful local startups, and help Yukoners bring their ideas to life, by providing community members with a makerspace, a coworking space, business support services and a thriving community that connects and inspires.


Public Spaces (Literally) Built by the Community | Luis Patricio:
In many urban centres we see abandoned public spaces in the downtown core. Curitiba, a city in Brazil with a population of two million people, is no exception to that rule. The usual question to local authorities: "Can you do something about it?" got the usual response: "We have other priorities". A different question: "Can WE do something about it?" got a different reply: "I don't know, no one ever asked that question before?" One year later, a new space was born. Entirely designed and built by the local community.