Deem’s first-ever Symposium was an in-person and online hybrid event that brought together designers, practitioners, and community members to form dialogues around emergent and liberatory directions within design.

Hosted in partnership with the MCA Chicago, the Symposium explored how design can draw on diverse perspectives to create more equitable and inclusive communities and futures through the following themes: Dignity, Pedagogy, Equity, and Place.

On March 4th, 2023, participants were invited to experience thought-provoking presentations and conversations both IRL and virtually from intersecting voices across disciplines and generations, with a special reverence for the city of Chicago, which held this experience for us.

In addition to the March 4th conference, Deem organized a three-day Reference Room to serve as a public gathering space for people to experience some of the reading materials that have inspired our four issues. These books, articles, and essays represented a combination of our research, specific mentions from our pages, and recommendations from contributors. It has been our hope not only to provide context and access to educational tools around Deem’s processes and beliefs, but also to create a haven for reflection and repose.

Watch the full Deem Symposium here