2021 Winners Announced!
All of our finalists have been on quite the journey through this competition.
Check out the winners here!
Fashion Design and Photography by Adam Quang
USM Modular Furniture presents the HUE+MAN Design Competition: Culture Sculpture
Exhibition concept and design by Kevin Jones of Joba Studio to be revealed at Design Miami 2021, December 1-5
The HUE+MAN Design Competition by USM Modular Furniture in collaboration with Kevin Jones’ Joba Studio seeks to spotlight emerging designers of color through funding and mentorships. In this, its inaugural year, competition winners Margaret Waiyego Zollinger, Peter Mukhaye, and Amukelani Mathebule, combine to form Culture Sculpture, an exhibition that explores the myriad of ways that contemporary culture is shaped by the diverse hands that produce it. The artists’ work is showcased in twisting pyramids that Jones designed using the USM Haller system. Read more.
Graphic, Fashion, Interior, Architecture, Industrial, and Environmental Design
The term HUE+MAN stands for Culture + Humanity. HUE is an old term for culture. Culture and Humanity are at the very heart of our initiative. We are thrilled to learn and show what Designers of Color create today and to promote those with promising talent. The winners will receive award money and other special support to further encourage their career.
Jurors include Don C, Shantell Martin, Stephen Burks, Osborne Macharia.
As a black creative, rarely do you see other people who look like you being recognized as masters and champion of their crafts. It doesn’t mean that they do not exist, it’s just that such stories get muted in comparison to stories of people who are not of Color. It doesn’t mean that Art, Design and creativity coming from one group of people is more important than the next. Our experiences, cultural backgrounds, life experiences, traumas and aspirations play a big role on what we creatively express. The HUE+MAN design competition aims to highlight this way of creative thinking while honouring craft that stands out from the rest.
— Osborne Macharia
Audience
Underrepresentation of People of Color in the creative arts is a consequence of white privilege.
Not only is this unacceptable, it is an enormous waste of talent and a loss for humanity. This exclusion disregards a culture rich in ideas and art. It is time to spotlight your talent. Whether you carry a degree or are self-taught, we only ask for your highest level of professionalism. All competition applications need to be in English.