Data Through Design 2021 | Ground Truth
At a time of unprecedented upheaval—characterized by the overlapping crises of a global pandemic, a long-overdue reckoning over ongoing social and racial injustice, and climate chaos—we invited artists to examine the relationship between lived, real-world experience and the overlay of data and mediated information used to interpret that experience.
The pandemic has affected not only the work but also the format of this year’s exhibition, which for the first time is being presented online and outdoors, instead of in a gallery space. This constraint prompts reflection on how art in a time of social distancing can straddle the digital and IRL worlds, and how artworks can stake out and maintain a vital presence in the digital realm. We also hope that a virtual exhibition can reach a wider audience.
To learn more about DxD and past exhibits, please visit datathroughdesign.com
Guest Jurors
Allen Hillery
Allen serves as part time faculty at Columbia University's Applied Analytics program. He is a Tableau Ambassador and has extensive experience in developing and executing data analysis. Allen is very passionate about data literacy and curates an article series that focuses on the importance of creating data narratives and spotlighting notable figures on how their use of storytelling made major impacts on society. Allen works on a host of data initiatives and can be found on Medium, and Twitter: @AIDataVizGuy
Xena Ni
Xena is a designer, organizer, and artist who believes in public institutions that work for everybody. She is a Fellow at New America, researching COVID-19 vaccine communications. Previously, she led design teams at Alloy and Nava, transforming public services from HealthCare.gov to election protection data for 2020 campaigns. She makes art to advocate for equitable public policy. Her installations have been written up in CityLab, the Washingtonian, and the Washington Post. @msknee
Open Data Week
Open Data Week is organized and produced by the NYC Open Data Program and BetaNYC. This week-long event series takes place during the first week of March to celebrate New York City’s Open Data Law, enacted on March 7, 2012, and International Open Data Day which is typically the first Saturday in March. Open Data Week brings various communities together to have discussions, demos, trainings, or other engagements to raise awareness about NYC Open Data as a free resource for New Yorkers.
NYC Open Data Week 2021 is a collaboration between the NYC Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics (MODA), which applies strategic analytical thinking to data to help city agencies deliver services more equitably and effectively; BetaNYC, a civic organization dedicated to improving lives in New York through civic design; and Data Through Design. Data Through Design’s opening exhibition serves as the kick-off event for Open Data Week. We thank MODA for sponsoring the Data Through Design 2021 exhibition.
Please see the official ODW page for a full list of events.
We are grateful for the generous support Data Through Design received in the form of a Brooklyn Arts Fund grant. For over 50 years, BAC has supported Brooklyn's artists and has helped create one of the most eclectic and innovative cities in the world. BAC grants strive to support local artists and small arts organizations whose work enhances the cultural climate of our borough, city, and state; their work is proudly local and internationally influential. These awards encourage professional development, community growth, and fellowship among artists.
We are proud to use Arium and share a virtual gathering and gallery space for the exhibition opening. This unique and innovative platform was developed by former Data Through Design artist, Aidan Nelson and fellow ITP alum, Dan Oved. Join us for the exhibition opening for the full experience!
Data Through Design 2021 is organized by: Alexander Kennedy, Can Sucuoglu, Jessie Braden, Kubi Ackerman, Sara Eichner, and Will Geary. We thank Sofia Martynovich for her assistance.
Web development by Marco Wylie.