Deem Symposium 2024: Expanding possibilities, deepening impact
In 2024, the Deem Symposium returned to Chicago—not merely to revisit past success but to deepen its commitment to dignity through design. Recognizing that critical conversations about design and social impact often remain inaccessible to communities most affected by systemic inequities, the symposium reframed the entire city as its stage. Building upon the sold-out triumph at MCA Chicago in 2023, Deem expanded into a multi-day event, intentionally reaching underserved neighborhoods to embrace new possibilities and diverse perspectives.
Chicago as the Venue
Choosing intimacy and impact over expansion, Deem intentionally maintained the scale of attendance while significantly amplifying engagement. This year, Chicago itself was the symposium’s venue. By integrating workshops and curated site visits at Black and Brown-led organizations across the city’s South and West Sides, the symposium leveraged its platform to spotlight local initiatives, driving direct community benefit and global exposure.
Equitable access to design discourse enriches conversations by introducing vital perspectives from historically excluded communities, fueling deeper innovation and impact.
Design Language
The visual language for the 2024 symposium burst with boldness and color, symbolizing the dynamic confluence of ideas and voices. A vibrant yellow anchored the identity, extending seamlessly across print, digital, and experiential platforms, while additional colors and expressive typography gave each program a distinct mini-brand. Motion graphics further energized the design, creating an immersive visual narrative that united all touchpoints with vitality and coherence.
Expanding Programming
Breaking convention, Deem introduced imaginative and experiential programming that captivated audiences. Magician Nicole Cardoza offered an inventive exploration of how both magic and design compel us to suspend disbelief to shape the futures we desire, while another groundbreaking session used the rhythms of Chicago house music as a framework for discussing placemaking, creating an immersive sensory experience that deepened audience connection and conversation.
Extended Storytelling
A robust social campaign expanded the symposium’s narrative reach, amplifying participant voices through a compelling video series. Prompted by the question, “What does it mean to design for dignity?”, this storytelling initiative vividly illuminated diverse interpretations and practices, galvanizing global dialogue and inspiration.
The Impact
Echoing the resonance of the previous year, the 2024 symposium swiftly sold out its 300-seat venue one month in advance, simultaneously attracting an additional 300 virtual participants. Beyond attendance, its greatest achievement was significantly deepened community engagement. Targeted workshops and immersive site visits actively addressed issues of access and equity, cultivating meaningful, enduring relationships within Chicago communities. This holistic approach affirmed design’s transformative potential and solidified Deem Journal’s role as a powerful catalyst for systemic social change.
