Socio-cultural research and co-design

Objects mediate, and it is important that outcomes embody a narrative that serves to advance discourse on social justice in the City of Detroit. A thematically deep and informed approach to the design and making of artefacts is vital. Students worked with the museum and other partners in creating design and craft outcomes that used deep and thoughtful narratives drawn from socio-cultural experiences

The outcomes have arisen as small pieces of furniture, carvings, craft objects, or artworks along with a narrative that was tested through an iterative community process. This iterative process provided feedback to students in how the object / narrative and message is received and woodworking methods to hone.

Storytelling and Listening

Under the storytelling direction of the Wright Museum, students engaged in socio-cultural themes that informed the design and making of artefacts that embody sensitive and relevant narratives aligned to various African American heritages and contemporary experiences

Practical Woodworking Techniques

Students and community participants worked on scalable artefacts embodying a narrative aligned to the themes of the d.Tree Studio. Objects included small items of furniture, carvings, installations, sculptures and cultural artefacts.

Cultural Placemaking

The narrative of an urban tree’s place, location, and role as a cultural landmark can be embodied in the artefacts they become, and elevate awareness of the status of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History as a leading cultural institution in Detroit and Michigan to convene community conversations around African / African American histories and cultures.