(Toronto — November 16, 2010) Dr. Sara Diamond, President of OCAD University (OCADU), welcomes educator, designer and author Jorge Frascara as the second keynote speaker in the 2010-2011 President’s Speaker Series on Wednesday, November 24 at 6:45 p.m.
Jorge Frascara is Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta, Canada, Fellow of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, and member of the Editorial Boards of the Information Design Journal and Design Issues. He has held leading positions at the University of Alberta, Icograda, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, the Graphic Design Education Association (USA) and the Canadian Standards Council. He has published nine books and more than 50 articles internationally, and has lectured and made presentations around the world. He has consulted for organizations such as the Government of Canada, the Mission Possible Coalition (traffic safety), the Alberta Drug Utilization Program, and leading Canadian telecommunications companies. He now lives in Padova, Italy, and runs an information design consultancy with his wife Guillermina Noël.
In his talk “Design for need, and the need for design: Are we ready for this?” Frascara will explore the crucial role communication design plays in the social context. “Society today suffers from miscommunication and from lack of communication,” says Frascara. “Knowledge and wisdom are the privilege of the few, while hundreds of millions of people suffer abuse, disease, injuries, poverty, marginalization, addictions, and even death, because of lack of information and education. Challenges and choices require urgent action, and design schools have a central role to play. Is society ready for this? Are we, designers, ready for this?”
President’s Speaker Series presents
Jorge Frascara: “Design for need, and the need for design: Are we ready for this?”
Wednesday, November 24, 6:45 p.m.
OCAD University
Auditorium, 100 McCaul Street
www.ocad.ca | 416-977-6000
All are welcome to attend, and admission is free.
About OCAD University (OCADU)
OCAD University (www.ocad.ca) is Canada’s “University of the Imagination.” The University, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.
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For more information and images, contact:
Sarah Mulholland, Media & Communications Officer
416.977.6000 Ext. 327 (mobile Ext. 1327)