Day 1: Homework

This weekend's homework is as follows:

1. Create your first blog entry describing why you signed up for the DeSE Studio, or if you did not originally sign up for it, but are deciding to stay, discuss why you have chosen to stay. In both cases, also discuss what you hope to get out of the class.

2. Take a look at some of the blogs and organizations on the DeSE sight, as well as the del.icio.us articles on the bottom. When you come across something of particular interest, create a blog article about it discussing what the subject matter is and what you find interesting about it.

3. As the first step to our final projects, each student is to become involved in a local organization here in Providence, and either observe what the organization does, or find a way to be helpful to the people in the group. This is an opportunity to put yourself in a new situation, and it will not always be completely comfortable. Consider these organizations as potential clients.

This assignment is meant as an opportunity to get outside of the RISD bubble and engaged in the community around us. Step outside of our comfort zones- this is what it means to be a designer. In the words of Peter Hawking, "Be present, be useful, spend time."

For a list of organizations looking for RISD partnerships, please click here.

For a list of all Rhode Island non-profits, please click here.

Please contact 3-5 organizations and be persistent. A lot of nonprofits are understaffed and may not have the resources to respond quickly. So try to make things easier on them by reaching out. Each student is expected to partner with an organization for a few hours each week. If the opportunity conflicts with studio time, we can work around the schedule, but please contact the professor directly.

Peter Hawking, from the Office of Public Engagement, has also offered to take students with him on his project to work with HIV+ individuals, to use the arts as a form of healing. They will meet 12-3 every Thursday starting at the end of September to end of October. If you are interested in this opportunity, please let me know.


For further questions, or to discuss what type of opportunity is right for you, please contact me at: sami.nerenberg (at) gmail.com