activities · 6
what they do
direct service · 2
- Host annual "Best Of" design exhibition Artisan Craft Sales and ExhibitionsOperates an annual "Best Of" exhibition as part of the Design Archive project, inviting Arizona designers to submit and celebrate their work, thereby documenting and promoting local design excellence.
- Organize design events and programming Professional Association Chapter ProgrammingPlans and executes Phoenix Design Week, an annual two-day conference, along with ongoing monthly events such as portfolio reviews, networking mixers, hands-on workshops, software training, and speaker sessions to engage the local creative community.
capacity building · 4
- Advance Design for Good initiativesLeads and promotes Design for Good initiatives across Arizona through organizational leadership, aiming to expand the impact of design in service of community and social benefit.
- Fund programming through membership support Artist Support ProgramsUses membership funding to sustain future events, programming, and resources for the Arizona creative community, ensuring continuity and growth of chapter activities.
- Provide organizational leadership and governance Regional Governance & RepresentationOffers strategic leadership and financial oversight for AIGA Arizona, ensuring sustainability, goal alignment, and effective governance through roles such as President and board-level management.
- Support external creative community eventsProvides support to external creative events such as CreativeMornings, WordCamp, Artlink, and AAF Phoenix, strengthening the broader Arizona creative ecosystem through collaboration and resource sharing.
strategies · 4
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Community-Centered Design for Social Impact design_for_goodThe organization advances community-centered design through "Design for Good" initiatives, leveraging local context and small community dynamics to promote design-driven social change and elevate surrounding communities.
- Inclusive Community Building and Resource Provision community_building_and_inclusionThe organization builds a cohesive and vibrant creative community by providing resources, programming, and networking opportunities tailored to all career stages, connecting diverse professionals and students, and actively including underrepresented communities through a DEIA lens.
- Mentorship and Professional Development mentorship_and_professional_developmentThe organization supports the professional growth of creative individuals at all career stages by providing mentorship, educational workshops, and resources to help them navigate their careers and master the business aspects of their passion.
- Volunteer-Led Operations volunteer-led_modelThe organization operates entirely through volunteer involvement, leveraging diverse engagement opportunities to achieve its mission.
named programs · 9
what they call their work
Business of Design
Initiative supporting creative entrepreneurs in developing the business skills needed to grow and sustain their creative ventures.
Design Archive
Ongoing project since 2014 to document and celebrate Arizona designers' work through an annual "Best Of" exhibition.
Design for Good
Movement to promote design-driven social change by connecting designers with community-focused projects and organizations.
Education
Supports students, educators, and academic programs through leadership opportunities and learning resources for designers at all levels.
In-House
Serves in-house creative teams by providing networking, learning, and connection opportunities tailored to their unique professional context.
Mentorship
Program that pairs emerging designers with experienced design leaders for career guidance and professional development.
Phoenix Design Week
Annual week-long series of events centered around a two-day conference, organized by volunteers for creative professionals in Phoenix.
Student Groups
Supports student-led design groups at colleges and universities to foster early professional engagement and community building.
Tucson + Flagstaff
Statewide outreach initiative with satellite boards supporting creative communities in Tucson and Flagstaff.
relationships · 10
who they work with
- AAF Phoenix Partner — Supported creative community organization in Phoenix
- AIGA Network — Arizona chapter of the national AIGA organization.
- AIGA Network — Connects Arizonans to the larger AIGA network across the nation.
- AIGA Network — Encourages the formation of student groups at colleges and universities as a way of encouraging students to take the first step in demonstrating a commitment to their professional interest and assisting them in understanding the profession.
- AIGA Network — The chapter is part of AIGA, the national professional association of design.
- Artlink Partner — Supported creative community organization in Phoenix
- CreativeMornings Partner — Supported creative community event in Phoenix and Tucson
- Roswell / Bindtech Bookbindery Partner — Book manufacturing company employing AIGA Arizona member Kortez Brown, representing industry connection in print and bookbinding.
- Skaaren Design Partner — Design firm led by AIGA Arizona's President, Cory Skaaren, contributing leadership and professional expertise to the chapter.
- WordCamp Partner — Supported creative community event in Phoenix