AIGA Boston + the ICA Present a Book Talk: Kristen Coogan and Doug Scott
Discover the newly released Design History Reader: An Emerging Vision for a New Narrative, a groundbreaking book that challenges who decides what counts as “good design.” Edited by Kristen Coogan and shaped through collaborative research with hundreds of students, this vibrant volume expands the canon beyond Western norms, celebrating cultural authenticity, innovation within tradition, social impact, and historical significance. From Afrofuturist visionaries to Indigenous textile artists, feminist designers, and activist visual culture, each chapter reveals design as a dynamic force of identity, resistance, and creativity. Join Coogan and nationally recognized graphic designer and educator Doug Scott for an evening of conversation on graphic design and the way its history is being told and taught. A book signing will follow this presentation.
Pair a good book with a glass of wine from the ICA Wine + Coffee Bar during your visit.
Complimentary tickets will be available October 8 for ICA Boston members and October 15 for everyone else.
WHEN + WHERE:
Thursday, November 6, 7–8 PM
ICA Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210 [Map]
Reserve tickets here.
TICKET PRICING:
Free, complimentary of ICA Boston.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- New ways to define and evaluate “good design”
- How design history still shapes practice today.
- Stories of student-driven research that bring fresh, global perspectives into the classroom; underrepresented stories in design history from around the world
- How teaching design can become collaborative, inclusive, and even a little disruptive
- Making design history a living, socially conscious practice
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
People interested in:
- Understanding “good design”—what it is and how to identify it
- Design students and educators curious about inclusive, collaborative teaching
- Designers and artists seeking global, underrepresented perspectives
- Design historians and scholars exploring pluralistic approaches
- Anyone interested in participatory, socially engaged education
SCHEDULE (all times EST in PM):
7:00 – 7:05 | Introductions
7:05 – 7:45 | Kristen Coogan and Doug Scott
7:45 – 8:00 | Q&A
8:00 | Book signing and please join us in the wine bar!
SPEAKERS:
Kristen Coogan is an Associate Professor of Art, and Chair of Graduate Graphic Design at Boston University. Her work has been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Print Magazine. She received a BFA in Art + Design from North Carolina State University, an MA in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College, and an MFA in Graphic Design from California Institute of the Arts.
Doug Scott has been teaching graphic design for over 50 years, including at the Rhode Island School of Design, Northeastern University, and Yale University, among other educational institutions. He has been a visiting critic at over 40 schools and has given over 260 lectures on art and design history and his work. Scott has also designed over 200 books for prominent publishers and has won numerous awards for his work.
HOW TO SUPPORT OUR DESIGN COMMUNITY:
Did you know AIGA Boston is run solely by volunteers? The best way to support our chapter is to purchase tickets to events (thank you in advance!) and donate to the AIGA Boston chapter. Even $5 - $10 donations helps support programming and ongoing initiatives for your design community! Please consider making a donation to help AIGA Boston continue to run events like this one. Donate to the AIGA Boston chapter here.
Please also consider becoming a member to get discounts and invaluable resources to level up your design practice. Membership dues support some digital operations for the local AIGA Boston chapter and with higher membership numbers of folks, we have more opportunities for larger sponsorships with local and corporate donors.
Join AIGA and get discounted tickets for our events and other benefits.
VENUE ACCESSIBILITY
AIGA Boston is committed to hosting events that are accessible for all. If you need special assistance to participate in this event, please contact Catherine Headen (catherine@boston.aiga.org) Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion. For reasonable assistance accommodations to be provided, please notify us at least five business days in advance of the event. If we do not receive timely notification of your reasonable request, we may not be able to make the necessary arrangements by the time of the event.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY
Your registration constitutes permission to use photos, audio, and video recording taken of you at the event for promotional and educational purposes in connection with AIGA Boston.
CODE OF CONDUCT
AIGA Boston has adopted the AIGA Code of Conduct with regard to its activities. We reserve the right to refuse admittance for violations of this Code, or other unlawful or disruptive actions. Any concerns should be addressed to the Director of Membership or Community Outreach.
