The kick-off event for the DESIG*ness project, conceived by NABA Research Centre and Innovation Hub and developed in collaboration with the Vilnius Academy of Arts, Latvijas Mākslas akadēmija, CERPA onlus, and Design for All Italia, has successfully concluded. The initiative, which has been awarded an Erasmus+ call in 2023, aims to establish and spread a culture of inclusivity regarding diversity and disabilities in art and design educational institutions. Scheduled to span 30 months starting from November 1, 2023, it seeks to equip teachers and students with innovative educational methodologies and collaborative assessment techniques to promote inclusion in the Higher Education Design (HED) system.

Highlights of the DESIG*ness Kick-off

At the launch event, the involved entities, welcomed by Guido Tattoni (NABA Dean), assessed the current state of inclusivity, showcasing advancements in the three participating academies. This was followed by two collaborative workshops, introduced by Elisa Poli (NABA Research Programme Leader) and Federica Doglio (Project Manager DESIG*ness). The first one, organised by BAM! Strategie Culturali, focused on the Digital Engagement Framework, while the second, led by CERPA and Design for All Italia, aimed at establishing common grounds on design and inclusivity among the partners.