As you know we launched our Community Impact initiative last year with the Animal Rescue group Home-Fur-Ever. We established a solid visual vocabulary for them and gave them a hand with several items that strengthened their presence in the community. We built and designed 6+ donation boxes after theirs were stolen and smashed open. For that project we obtained free or donated materials. When they found more funds, they were able to produce the banner and signs we designed for them. So they’re out there in a big way with a great message in vibrant color.
We’re now helping a second organization—The Boggs Charter School. The school will be opening in the fall of 2011, tentatively located in Detroit’s Corktown. We’re particularly excited about this collaboration because in addition to some typical print-based material, we’ll also be designing a teaching matrix that will explain and clarify the innovative “place-based learning” curriculum that is the cornerstone of their teaching approach. Place-based learning is an interdisciplinary educational experience that integrates education into the local community. The Boggs Charter School is a natural fit for AIGA Detroit’s CI committee and we’re eager to explore the multimedia possibilities for championing their cause.