June 7 – 30, 2019
First Friday Reception June 7, 6-9 PM
Gallery Talk at 5:30 PM
Free and open to the public

Design Thinking + Rochester Refugees + Shared Learning = Creative Entrepreneurship

Good/No Good is a collaborative exhibition that highlights the potential of design thinking to transform and improve the lives of refugees in Rochester by connecting them with sustainable entrepreneurship and opportunities for creative growth.

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  Photograph by Ben Braun, RIT Photojournalism

In 2017, Michael Kelly completed his graduate thesis in RIT’s Industrial Design program. The focus of his project was to help solve practical, social and human-centered problems by using the tools of design. In particular, Kelly focused on Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (RRRS), a community non-profit organization dedicated to refugees hoping to join and contribute to their new communities.

The result of Kelly’s collaboration with RRRS was RochesterRefugee.org, a project that creates jobs and employs refugees, (predominantly women), to craft handmade bags and accessories, using the proceeds to re-invest in the community. Made up of individuals whose stories are complex and unique, the team is a remarkable effort that combines elements of design thinking, social service, entrepreneurial opportunity, multilingual communication, and environmentally conscious production.

Partnering with the Office for New Americans’ Immigrant Community Navigator Program, the exhibition will highlight the various facets of the Rochester Refugee project through unique material installations by the group, photography and video by RIT Photojournalism student Ben Braun.

A community gallery talk took place before the opening reception on Friday, June 7, at 5:30 PM, inviting discussion about this special project along with economic, social and civil support available to New Americans in the Finger Lakes region.

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo established the Office for New Americans (ONA) to assist newcomers to New York State who are eager to contribute to our economy and become part of the family of New York State. The New York State Office for New Americans helps New Americans fully participate in New York State civic and economic life. We are committed to strengthening New York State’s welcoming environment for New Americans and facilitating their success.