Session 111 summary
Diego in the session shares how design can be a tool for social change and how designers have an obligation to solve problems.
It is essential to first identify the challenges and then devise sustainable solutions. Conducting thorough research into the issues at hand is paramount for creators and designers. Understanding the root causes, missing connections, and global precedents is crucial in finding effective solutions. Brainstorming and community engagement play pivotal roles in this process, enabling designers to gain insights into community needs and desires, fostering meaningful relationships, and co-creating impactful solutions. And this is how social impact is created: by establishing sustainable relationships with communities, whether they are artisanal or not. The key lies in fostering engagement, acceptance, and collaboration between Indigenous artists, communities, and designers. Innovation plays a crucial role in this process, as it leads to different and impactful outcomes. By embracing innovation, one can bring about positive change and sustainability. It involves reimagining techniques, processes, and approaches to make them better and more understandable.
Diego’s ethos revolves around innovation, particularly in artisan techniques. Having worked with artisans worldwide, including Latin America and now India, Diego is dedicated to innovating in techniques and processes to create unique products with different market appeal. Through innovation, Diego acts as a bridge, connecting Indigenous communities with international markets. His team is innovating not only in their perception of design but also in the approach to the entire program. The objective is to create a sustainable social design program that fosters long-lasting relationships. Sustainability, in essence, requires time and commitment. They understand the importance of investing time to achieve sustainability and are dedicated to this endeavour. Through innovation, the aim is to bring about sustainability and create a lasting impact. Their focus is primarily on economic development and the preservation of traditional techniques in the region. Additionally, their efforts contribute to gender equality, improved health, enhanced education, and increased productivity.
In a significant project undertaken, which involved Santa Catarina Palopó, situated on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, a community comprising approximately 5,000 inhabitants. Despite being a beautiful destination with 12 lakes surrounding it, Guatemala faces high poverty rates and prevalent issues such as malnutrition and gender inequality. The project aimed to bring about sustainable change in the community, focusing on short-term measurable impacts. The approach involved extensive research into similar projects worldwide, particularly those leveraging art for economic development. Through collaborative workshops with community leaders from Santa Catarina, discussions revolved around the community’s aspirations and the elements symbolizing significance to them, such as colours and motifs. Drawing inspiration from Guatemala’s rich textile tradition, each town’s distinct colour palettes and designs served as a foundation for the project. Ultimately, the initiative empowered each household owner to become a designer in their own right, fostering a sense of ownership and agency within the community. In this endeavour, art and design were harnessed as tools for fostering economic development and sustainable tourism. Remarkable outcomes ensued, with approximately 98% of the town now adorned with vibrant artwork. The approach involved collaboration with community leaders to select flora and fauna motifs imbued with local significance. Additionally, geometric patterns were explored, complemented by colours resonant with the community’s textile traditions, blending modern and historical clothing elements. Public spaces received meticulous attention, with custom-designed murals adorning municipal buildings. Each household was empowered to personalize their contribution, selecting patterns and colours reflective of their identity. Residents actively participated in painting their own houses, fostering community engagement and interaction. This inclusive program not only revitalized the town aesthetically but also provided residents with a sense of ownership and pride in their environment.
Subsequently, securing resources and funding for the program became paramount. Through concerted efforts, partnerships were forged with government entities, private firms, and non-profit organizations, totalling approximately $450,000 to bring the project to fruition. However, sustainability remained a key concern.
As the project garnered attention, community leaders became increasingly invested and proud of the initiative. This newfound enthusiasm spurred the emergence of artisanal shops, coffee houses, and even a textile museum, catering to the influx of tourists seeking immersive experiences and cultural insights. Over the span of nearly four years, the project evolved into a transformative endeavour, leveraging art and design to catalyse positive community engagement and economic revitalization. Recognition of its impact culminated in an invitation to showcase the project at the London Design Biennale, underscoring its significance on an international stage.
Sharing a compelling video, Diego offers a profound glimpse into the transformative journey of Santa Catarina Palopó and the remarkable individuals propelling change within its borders. Through this visual narrative, Diego not only reveals the tangible impact of the project but also underscores the profound importance of effective communication, highlighting how each spoken word carries the power to inspire and catalyse meaningful change. Design emerges as a pivotal force in reshaping this community, as illustrated by the project’s evolution and impact. The installation showcased at the London Design Biennale serves as a poignant artistic interpretation of the town’s essence, crafted entirely from textiles sourced from local artisans. Each element, from the vibrant colours to the intricate patterns, reflects the community’s rich heritage and aspirations for the future. The video also delves into the project’s recognition and accolades, including the public award received at the London Design Biennale. This acclaim catapulted the initiative onto the global stage, attracting widespread media attention and fostering partnerships with organizations like Westown. Together, these endeavours culminated in the Atitlán project, a curated collection inspired by the town’s narrative and crafted with reverence to its traditional textiles.
The collaboration with the community was integral to the creation of this project, with 50 percent of the sales from the collections being reinvested back into the community. This initiative yielded approximately $250,000, facilitating significant developments within the community. The success of this endeavour exemplifies the circular economic impact, wherein one initiative catalyses subsequent progress, ultimately fostering sustainability.
A variety of activities were undertaken to support the project, including workshops with local artisans, embroidery of pillows, creation of unique auction pieces, and an exhibition in New York, which raised $30,000 and garnered widespread attention. These efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about the project’s impact and garnering support from a diverse audience.
Diego’s commitment to working with artisans’ spans over a decade, during which he established his own company to export products, forging partnerships with retailers and clients worldwide. Design and innovation have remained central to his approach, driving impactful outcomes across various initiatives. Emphasizing the importance of innovation at every stage, Diego continues to explore new avenues for research, community engagement, and sustainable impact, as evidenced by his work with artisans from diverse regions, each endeavour aimed at preserving craft traditions, ensuring fair wages, and fostering enduring relationships.
An exquisite collection was curated in collaboration with Mexican artisans, aptly named “La Mesa,” which sought to encapsulate the essence of Mexican culture and its significance in communal gatherings. Extensive research delved into the heart of Mexican traditions, particularly emphasizing the importance of shared meals as a cornerstone of social connection. The aim was to translate this cultural richness into a tangible narrative, one that could not only celebrate Mexico’s heritage but also foster economic development among local artisans. “La Mesa” featured an array of techniques sourced from various regions across Mexico, including ceramics, recycled glass, hand-painted textiles, terracotta, and weaving. Collaborations were forged with artisan groups, particularly women from Chiapas and Oaxaca, who contributed their expertise to the collection. The video presentation further elucidates the narrative behind “La Mesa,” underscoring the importance of authentic storytelling in conveying the impact of artisanal initiatives. Diego emphasizes the significance of transparent communication regarding the social impact of consumer choices, as contemporary consumers increasingly seek to align their purchases with meaningful contributions. By intertwining storytelling with genuine, impactful initiatives, “La Mesa” exemplifies a holistic approach to artisanal collaboration, rooted in cultural appreciation and economic empowerment. Diego underscores the importance of contributing to a world in need and emphasizes the necessity of effectively communicating this awareness. Central to this endeavour is the question of how to engage customers with producers in the digital landscape, which currently serves as the primary platform for communication. To illustrate this concept further, Diego introduces a brief video showcasing the initiatives undertaken in Mexico, highlighting the fusion of product creation with cultural traditions. The campaign proved to be not only visually captivating but also immensely successful. It underscores the significance of storytelling, particularly in sharing the profound impact generated and fostering community engagement. Following this triumph, Diego embarked on several subsequent initiatives, including one focusing on wall art in Honduras and another set to launch in Peru, with plans underway for a project in India. The accompanying visuals showcase a diverse array of design pieces created in collaboration with artisans, exemplifying Diego’s commitment to conceptualizing innovative designs and implementing core programs for sustainable long-term development. Noteworthy among these creations is a collection of sculptures crafted for Westown, a collaboration that Diego has consulted on for the past three years. This ongoing partnership, with a budget of approximately 20 million, aims to sustainably support artisan communities. The collection features contemporary designs crafted using locally sourced, handmade materials, including paper mache (Papier-mâché) from Madagascar and pieces from the Philippines. Through these endeavours, Diego strives to seamlessly blend traditional techniques with modern design, catering to customers seeking ethical standards and craftsmanship. The collection comprises vases crafted from low-fire ceramics, originating from Chulucanas, Peru. Additionally, there are clay items from Honduras and Guatemala, along with furniture and lighting fixtures sourced from the Philippines. All products are Fair Trade certified, reflecting Diego’s commitment to ethical sourcing and production. Through these designs, Diego aims to blend his aesthetic vision with a celebration of diverse cultures, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the creation process.
Furthermore, Diego’s portfolio extends beyond tangible products to encompass installations, such as the one showcased at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, developed in collaboration with various artisan groups. This particular project, commissioned by the Art in Embassies program, involved partnering with artisans from Momostenango, Guatemala, known for their wool craftsmanship, as well as a group of women residing near a garbage dump in Guatemala City. Through partnerships with organizations like Creámos, which provides employment and education opportunities to marginalized women, Diego endeavours to create positive social impact.
Beyond product design, Diego’s portfolio includes interior design projects for hotels and restaurants, consistently integrating artisanal craftsmanship into his creations. With a diverse range of initiatives, Diego’s work reflects his dedication to creating meaningful collaborations and fostering sustainable development.
About the Speaker
Diego Olivero
Diego is a visionary in the realm of social design-driven projects, leveraging his deep understanding of design’s impact to drive positive change. His innovative approach has transformed the lives of artisans in developing countries, using design as a primary tool to promote handmade products, preserve traditions, and foster sustainable development. Working closely with over 500 artisan families across Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, Haiti, Morocco, Mexico, and India, Diego has forged lasting connections and created tangible impacts in underprivileged communities worldwide. With a passion for exploring traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of design, Diego’s work encompasses a diverse range of practices, from Pedal Loom weaving to Glass Blowing. His dedication to sustainable partnerships has solidified his reputation as a change-maker in the social impact industry, leading him to serve as the director of Conversa, an impactful platform dedicated to promoting social design initiatives. One of Diego’s notable projects includes directing the design efforts for Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo, an initiative focused on painting 850 houses using traditional indigenous motifs of Guatemala. Through this project, Diego not only contributed to the beautification of communities but also fostered sustainable tourism-based economies. His collaborative spirit and creative leadership were instrumental in bringing this ambitious public installation to life on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
