Abstract
A central element of my research agenda is the design and propagation of posters that advocate for social change. Historically, poster design has functioned as a commercial tool, promoting products, brands, and services. My work repositions this medium as a vehicle for amplifying marginalized voices, addressing societal inequities, and challenging entrenched power structures. By juxtaposing the commercial origins of posters with their potential for advocacy, I aim to elevate this seemingly ordinary medium into a powerful tool for dialogue and activism. In 2023, I founded the United States International Poster Biennial (USIPB), the only poster biennial in America with an international reach and a focus on social change initiatives. Our inaugural edition received 7,380 submissions from 75 countries, underscoring the poster medium’s global relevance and impact. Organizing such a large-scale event required navigating the complexities of international collaboration, logistical challenges, and curating diverse perspectives while maintaining a commitment to justice-driven themes. My presentation will address how the USIPB positions posters as critical tools for initiating public discourse, fostering solidarity, and driving action. By creating this platform, I explore the role of graphic advocacy posters in mobilizing communities and promoting global dialogue on urgent social issues.
Presenters
Ryan SloneAssistant Professor of Graphic Design, School of Art, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
POSTER DESIGN, GRAPHIC ADVOCACY, SOCIAL CHANGE, GLOBAL DIALOGUE, PUBLIC DISCOURSE
