HOW

Act with grace, resolve and leadership, not defensiveness.

Develop expectations for new industry standards by hosting ongoing conversations pertaining to equality, equity and opportunity for BIPOC designers.

Integrate both emerging and mid-career BIPOC designers into new and existing Artist Development programs. These programs can help build clientele for their brands, increase exposure, and foster long term growth for their careers. These include the following: 

a. Artists Talks/ Industry Panels 

b. Residencies 

c. Trunk Shows 

d. Collaborations 

e. Exhibitions 

f. Grants 

g. Pop-ups with discounted costs to emerging BIPOC designers 

h. Scholarships for BIPOC to continue their education 

i. Exchange of knowledge and skills through study/internships/apprenticeships abroad; our industry is a global one

j. Develop Curricula that includes BIPOC designers 

k. Develop inclusion and support at trade shows 

l. Develop mentoring programs and peer-to-peer support

Create a Task Force to reinforce guidelines in order to establish accountability.

Increase access to raw materials and bench time, pricing strategies, merchandising tools, business marketing and strategy, responsible sourcing and sustainability.

Include BIPOC into leadership and curatorial positions and establish funds to create new institutions and opportunities for BIPOC.

Help create safe spaces for professional development programs targeted to BIPOC individuals to learn the trade for the future success of the industry.

Recognize racism within, acknowledge systemic racism and work to eliminate it.

Increase representation in editorial in industry-specific media outlets.

Recognition from major organizations in the industry, and a commitment to these actions.