Design unmuted is a podcast for folks interested in engaging with social justice and critical perspectives in design, art and all things creative.

Join me in uplifting marginalized voices in design, art and all things creative. Together, we can develop Design unmuted into a repository of inspiring, provocative and nuanced stories of BIPOC artists and designers.

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Art, architecture and food security: all about “Sustaining Apertures”
Divine Ndemeye Divine Ndemeye

Art, architecture and food security: all about “Sustaining Apertures”

Join us as we unpack the stories behind our exhibition; Sustaining Apertures, currently on view at the Or Gallery from March 7 to July 6, 2024. Together Colin and I share all about our collaborative journey and discuss food security in relation to the land, intersectional conversations around environmental justice, place-based design, and architecture in contemporary art. Colin Berg Mbugua is a Kenyan-Canadian artist, researcher, and architectural designer. He holds both a Masters and a Bachelor in Architecture. Mbugua’s practice, Kagvr, founded in 2021, engages multi-disciplinary contexts that draw from traditional architectural practices while engaging experimentation through collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.You can watch a clip of this episode on the designunmuted youtube channel here and follow us on Instagram @design_unmuted

"The Sustaining Apertures artist podcast is co-presented with Design Unmuted, Or Gallery, And-Co Community, and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) . The production of this episode is supported by the Real Estate Foundation of BC( REFBC)- a philanthropic organization working to advance sustainable land use and real estate practices in British Columbia, Canada. They do this by funding projects, connecting people, and sharing knowledge.

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Episode 13: Afrofuturism and Decolonizing art & Hogwarts houses
Divine Ndemeye Divine Ndemeye

Episode 13: Afrofuturism and Decolonizing art & Hogwarts houses

In this episode, my guest is Krystal Paraboo; an art historian and curator, community builder, communications specialist and activist. Krystal and I talk about decolonizing art spaces, curatorial activism, afrofuturism and we nerd out a bit on Harry Potter (mostly Krystal). We talk about work, productivity and mental health. Krystal also shares all about the Black Strathcona Resurgence Project which centered Black storytelling through public murals.

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A note from the Host

If you’re reading this message, I want to start by thanking you for taking the time to share this space with me. I am Divine and I host and produce the Design Unmuted podcast. I am  a storyteller,  landscape designer, artist, and educator. I started the podcast to share stories that  inspire us all to  expand our minds and hearts.

As an advocate for social justice, I engage in conversations on the ways design and art can help us build more just and beautiful communities. I don’t shy away from difficult conversations, because there’s always (bad) jokes and laughter around the corner to lift our spirits as we need it.

If you’re about building community, justice and good vibes, join the Design unmuted community and the other folks who chose to move beyond convention and learn critical perspectives of design, art and all things creative. 

I am so grateful for you for choosing Design unmuted.  If you want me to talk your ear off, drop me a word :).