Beamuse Designs

How do we change the world? One random Act of Kindness at a time. – Morgan Freeman

Celebrating design has been and will be an annual affair celebrated at INTI Center of Art & Design (ICAD) Subang and once again the International Design Day is back with a calling theme “Is it Kind?“. According to the International Council of Design (ICo-D), the driven theme for 2024 aims to drive a kinder future for all and this inspired the organizing team to plan and execute several events to liven the hearts into giving back to society.

Impressing kindness that ‘priotises human welfare, sustainability, and inclusivity’ as mentioned by Helena Trampe in Design Matters is truly a drawing point needed addressing in the society of today. The emphasis on prioritizing human welfare, sustainability, and inclusivity in design and art has become increasingly important as we navigate the complexities of our modern world. Helena Trampe’s insights shed light on the potential for creativity to serve as a powerful force for positive change, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace kindness as a foundational value. Harnessing the theme “Bringing Kindness through Art and Design” as the celebrated theme by ICAD, the organizing committee of the event has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a culture of empathy and compassion through creative expression. That said, the working committee worked hard in stitching together several activities to instill the thoughts of kindness in the youths of today.

Drawing on the theme of kindness, the event showcased an art installation to grow excitement and drive the focus of “cross-pollination of ideas” to promote collaboration and innovation. An array of artworks by the students from various disciplines in ICAD titled “Framing Kindness” was featured, emphasizing collaboration and exchange of diverse perspectives to facilitate the growth of kindness in our ever-changing world. This fosters a sense of interconnectedness and understanding among individuals and across communities, with ideas painted into an art installation featuring works by the lecturer and students of ICAD.

As kindness is not only an individual trait, but a collective endeavor that can be nurtured through shared experiences and collective action. These thoughts and experiences were shared throughout the sharing sessions by our esteemed guests. We were honored to have Mr. Will Sii of We Post, We Care, who shared on how he was inspired to start a Postcard station to keep the spirit of sending traditional mail either to someone or one’s own self. Then, we also had Mr. Abdul Razak Aziz, who shared on the growing inspirations behind SEEDS Malaysia – a humble family-owned enterprise that focuses on bringing sustainability and helping all peoples to achieve their environmental goals. Finally, joining in the sharing was Mr. Asri Ahmad, who shared on the contribution of design to society. All in all, the esteemed guests were gathered into a discussion with ICAD’s very own fashion lecturer, Ms. Adleena, to further delve into the topic of kindness in society today and how it can be further expanded.

Among the various activities and discussions, a concerted effort is made to explore how art and design can contribute to meaningful social impact, highlighting the potential for these creative disciplines to address pressing issues and uplift marginalized voices. This was brought together in the “Reaching Kindness” Art Bazaar, where the intersection of art, design, and kindness was brought together by the local artists of We Post, We Care and Bezpop. As the theme serves as a catalyst for positive change, offering new pathways for addressing societal challenges and promoting inclusivity and sustainability, profits made from the sales were designated to support the Budimas Charitable Foundation.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern era, the significance of prioritizing kindness in our artistic and design endeavors becomes increasingly apparent, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more compassionate and equitable future.

This article was written for the Tape Magazine, an initiative publication by INTI Center of Art and Design (ICAD), INTI International College Subang