The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, is creating a new initiative that will communicate the social value of designers who contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. The initiative, Design for Good is a broader movement to encourage and enable designers to aid their communities in meaningful ways and to create real change in their neighborhoods; it is also a way to show the value of design to community leaders and fellow citizens.

AIGA’s national director of social engagement, Zago’s Manuel Toscano, said, “It’s a transformation from a singular individual working alone to a community working in groups toward solutions that are not driven by the ego, but by the needs of a community.” GOOD – a collaboration of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits – is involved in the Design for Good program through GOOD Ideas for Cities, a collaboration with CEOs for Cities with support from ArtPlace that matches creative professionals with local civic leaders to address urban challenges.

To learn more about GOOD Ideas for Cities, contact Julia Klaiber.