INVT’s curated list of “must do” creative events is designed to inspire.

Each month, In/Visible Talks’ co-founders and practicing designers Arianna Orland and Dava Guthmiller receive invitations to dozens of design and art events. Using their own standards of criteria—which lately have included programs that are accessible online, events that support the worldwide movement for equality, and systems that encourage sustainable practices—they select six they feel they “must do” and share their curated list with the INVT community.

September’s Hotlist features thinkers, doers, and creators who are inspiring us to rethink how our work impacts the world around and beyond us.  

We hope you’ll join us at some or all of these.

Stay inspired!

Oakland Museum of California’s Virtual Tours.

Even though the physical museum is temporarily closed, you can experience a few of their outstanding shows online, including Dorothea Lange: Photography as Activism; You Are Here: California Stories on the Map, which features the work of INVT18 speaker Jenny Odell; and Black Power. Free. Anytime you’d like. Online.

Designing for All: Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion.

We believe it’s important for designers to be aware of the impact they have on accessibility, usability, and inclusion. In this webinar led by Fen Slattery, Accessibility Lead at Clique Studios, design experts will discuss how we can design and develop websites, tools, services, and systems accessible to people with disabilities. Free. September 2 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Virtual with General Assembly.

Clarity Design Systems Conference.

More than a “must do”, this is a “don’t miss” event! Founder Jina Anne and her team bring together the most provocative voices in the biz. This design systems conference focuses on how real success comes when people align around a shared vision and language. With insights from designers, developers, and producers, discover how we can all elevate our skills through multifaceted inclusion, empathy, technology, creativity, and collaboration. From $600. September 2 to 4, with additional, optional workshops before and after the event. Online.

The Good American, Donor Preview and Curator Talk.

Bookended by the anniversary of 9/11 and Election Day, November 3, The Good American at Creativity Explored celebrates the people who made our country what it is today while providing uplifting—and sometimes satirical—commentary on the 2020 election cycle. Join curator Cléa Massiani for an exclusive, live virtual preview of the exhibition and get early access to a curated lot of artwork before the exhibition goes live on the CE Artsy page. Free, but you must become a donor (and no donation is too small). September 10, 5:30 to 6:00 pm. Online. The Good American runs September 11 through November 3 at Creativity Explored in San Francisco and online.

London Design Festival.

Now in its 18^th year, the London Design Festival celebrates design through talks, panel discussions, and seminars with the country’s greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers, and educators. Be sure to check out the new dedicated Freelancer Portal, which recognizes and promotes freelancers who have been impacted by the pandemic. September 12 to 20. Many programs will be accessible online, though if you happen to be in London, you’ll want to explore the Design Districts, Featured Partner Events, and attend the main conference happenings.

The State of Black Design.

Hosted by Texas State University’s Communication Design program, The State of Black Design discussion will feature prominent Black design practitioners (such as Maurice Cherry and INVT20 speaker Antionette Carroll) and academics. The open conversation will be segmented into four focused panels: Industry, Pedagogy, Black Design Organizations, and Design Activism. Among the topics: “Aunt Jemima, is rebranding racist trademarks enough?” Free. September 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm PDT. Online.

SAVE THE DATE: 01.14.2021. In/Visible Talks 2021

INVT 2021 is happening and it will be virtual! The theme is Re:Design. Sign up for the INVT newsletter to get all the conference updates. Thursday, January 14, 2021. Online.