Nonprofit organisation Where are the Black Designers? have teamed up with creative agency Something™ to create a web browser plugin that exhibits the work of Black creatives every time a new tab is opened. The free plugin, called Something Spaces, is available for anyone to download and presents users with an image of artwork by both established and emerging Black artists and designers on their computer screen.
Something Spaces was launched in 2019, dubbed "the world's first global public art exhibition" a project that took overlooked public spaces in London, such as blank walls or empty shop windows, and inspired the creative community to redesign the location. Responding to the lack of diversity in the art world’s physical institutions the creative agency linked up with nonprofit organisation Where are the Black Designers? to launch the web browser plugin spotlighting Black creatives.
The global exhibition features creatives from across the world, including illustrator and printmaker Yolande Mutale, large-scale statement sculptural furniture and jewellery designer Simone Brewster, and illustrator Adesewa Adekoya. Other names include Amir Khadar, Olivia Fields, Monet Kifner, Laetitia Auguste, Cain McCallam and many more.
Founded in June 2020, Where are the Black Designers? was established as protests took place worldwide in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd. Their mission is to "heal, support, amplify, and make space for the entire spectrum of Black creativity while also decolonizing design through education and wellness resources, events, partnerships, and collaborations." Additionally, by connecting designers, educators, and creative leaders, the group host a dialogue about change, both in and out of the design industry through an annual conference.
The Something Spaces initiative was created to remove the barriers between underrepresented talent and opportunities," says Something studio manager Roshannah Bagley, who is also a member of the Where are the Black Designers? team. Bagley explained that the project aims to make it easier for those in the creative industry to find and hire talent from underrepresented communities. "Through various conversations with industry heads, we quickly realized they were struggling to discover under-represented talent. We're on a mission to reimagine underutilized spaces by turning them into canvases for creativity, making it easier for the industry to discover creators who have Something Else to offer," said Something managing partner and co-founder Andy Hewitt in a press release.
Support Something™ Else and Where are the Black Designers? by installing the Spaces extension here, and be inspired with every new tab.
