"Flagging the issue" a special design event

Highlights from my attendance of Gather, the special series of themed design presentation talks from selected professionals in art, design and creativity. The event is organised by Birmingham Design Festival and was located at The Crossing linked with the city's South and City College.

The guest speakers including:
Greg Burns
A graphic designer, D&I consultant and public speaker
Greg showcases a variety of projects which link with history, countries which previously had imperial leadership controversial politics and decision-making.
This includes his story on his experience of flags flying, especially the issue of lack of belonging. This was an inspiration to develop a metaphor of a union flag as a beacon of civil and human rights.

Some of his work was used for specific protests including George Floyd and the knee protests against racism.

He had also developed open spaces with this discussion on matters which are not related to activism.

Cat Philips, Artist
Cat presented a collection of projects based on her passions and belief related to worldwide affairs especially on war and conflict. Some of her work was featured on some of the key protest events in the UK. Also worked with different issues such as politics, world affairs and the environment.

Greg Oldham
Designer and writer & creative Director of Rough Trade Books
The uses his discovery of philosophy and strong principle to develop a variety of different projects. This includes dealing with serious challenges. Also an inspiration of solidarity during challenging times including the miners strike in the 1980s with effect on his families and communities.

Sarah Boris
Multi purpose artists
Sarah uses her passion to develop her creativity on issues related to changing political movements against dividing communities. Some of her work has been feared by politicians. Her ideas are an impulse to do something that's going on. Also she colaberates on projects which leads from digital to screen print.

Outcome
This event is an important reminder that design is not always used to improve a service, products or anything which everyone accesses, but also to address serious matters which everyone needs to consider or to change from something that is challenging or is problematic.

The projects mentioned to enable creativity to go further beyond the general or vanity aspects and create a change or a statement for everyone to pay attention to.

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Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant

With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.

Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000, he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also are involved with salsa classes in the local community as an assistant. Also have participated in major dancing conventions twice a year at Birmingham's NEC for Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity.

In 2022, Keith become a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the commonwealth games