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For Immediate Release

ADC Launches DesignismConnects.org To Link Creatives and Non-Profit Organizations

Making design activism happen: Partnership with Idealist results in matchmaking site to connect creatives and non-profits in need of design/communications help.

NEW YORK, October 27, 2008 – The Art Directors Club, the premier organization for integrated media and the longest-running global creative collective of its kind, today announced the launch of DesignismConnects.org (www.designismconnects.org), a site developed in partnership with Idealist to support the creative needs of non-profits and connect them with creatives willing to give their time and talent to causes.

DesignismConnects.org enables creatives to match their beliefs and skills with like-minded causes of their choosing. It provides creatives with a tangible outlet to affect the world and their local community, while giving causes access to the skills and craftsmanship of the ADC community. The site works like other matchmaking sites: each entry posts a profile allowing the two parties to connect through the search process and email.

The concept was developed by Brian Hurewitz, vice president, art director, Deutsch, and Jimmie Stone, partner, executive creative director, Green Team, after they attended the ADC’s Designism 1.0 event on design activism in 2006. Hurewitz created the concept and wire frames for the site, and then brought in Idealist (www.idealist.org) as the non-profit partner and LOLZ, LLC as the web development partner. Design and production for DesignismConnects.org was shared by Hurewitz and Mike Bodge of LOLZ, an agency that produces immersive websites, content creation and viral media for innovative brands.

“Over the past 10 years, global events paired with designers’ reactions to them have increased awareness of issues and the power design has to address them,” said Hurewitz. “Creatives are both informed and inspired. We saw a hole in the marketplace and determined that creatives needed an outlet to bridge their skills with real needs.”

The partnership with Idealist has resulted in the posting of more than 1,000 projects by non-profits. The need for quality services and support is apparent from the large number of non-profits who jumped on the site immediately.

“ADC believes in the power of the creative community,” said Ami Brophy, CEO, Art Directors Club. “They are persuaders, catalysts, and produce work that advances the support systems for the less fortunate in our communities. This website is the result of a grass roots movement by ADC members, and inspired by the speakers at our very first Designism event.”

Participation in DesignismConnects.org is free to both creatives and non-profits. Registration for both entities happens on the site, and then both entities can search the site to find an appropriate partner. The resulting connections help make the world a better place.

For additional information or to sign up, please visit www.DesignismConnects.org.


Idealist (www.idealist.org) is a project of Action Without Borders, a non-profit organization founded in 1995 with offices in the US and Argentina. Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.

The Art Directors Club (www.adcglobal.org) is the premier organization for integrated media and the first international creative collective of its kind. Founded in New York in 1920, the ADC is a self-funding, not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect, provoke and elevate creative visual communications professionals around the world. It focuses on the highest standards of excellence and integrity in visual communications for the industry, and encourages students and young professionals entering the field. ADC provides a forum for creatives in Advertising, Design, Interactive Media and Communications to explore the direction of these rapidly converging industries.

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