Chevonne Xue
Product Designer & Entrepreneur based in Toronto.
Bridging Art, Community, and Tech.






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Asian Arts and Culture Trust 
AACT is a Canadian federal not-for-profit organization that provides public programming to increase empathy, appreciation, and representation of Asian heritage, arts, and culture in Canada.

UX Strategist / Designer
Research
Moodboard
Ideation
Branding
Prototype

AACT Website
Manifesto Space Gallery


Backgraound

During the height of the pandemic, the rise in anti-Asian sentiment led to a significantly harsh environment for Asian communities. This situation brought to light the urgent need for increased empathy and understanding.

Further Reading:
Toronto For All | Anti-East Asian Racism
2020 in Hindsight: Intergenerational conversations on Anti-Asian Racism during the COVID-19 pandemic




Goal
The objective is to establish an Asian Arts Community that leverages art as a medium to enhance empathy, appreciation, and representation of Asian heritage, arts, and culture in Canada.


Problem
Cultural Conformity and SilenceThe cultural norms within many Asian communities emphasize conformity and restraint, often leading to a reluctance to speak out or assert oneself.

Complex Immigration Histories and Fragmented CommunitiesThe history of Asian immigration is complex, with various ethnic groups forming their own sub-communities, leading to low levels of inter-community cohesion.

Even within the largest Asian demographic in Canada, the Chinese community, there are significant identity differences based on the period of immigration and the influence of current geopolitical tensions.

Challenges Facing Asian ArtistsAsian artists face underrepresentation and lack the necessary resources, both social and financial, to pursue their creative endeavours, often forcing young artists to abandon their artistic pursuits.


Research
The Asian Arts and Culture Trust(AACT) aims to serve as a nexus for both the Asian and artistic communities, necessitating a thorough understanding of both sectors.
Asian CommunityThe composition of Toronto's Asian community includes East Asian (12.7%), Southeast Asian (7.0%), South Asian (12.3%), and West Asian (2.0%) populations.

Read more:
What it means to be Asian in America 


The diversity within the Chinese community in Toronto reflects different waves of immigration, from the early arrivals during the Pacific Railway era to more recent immigrants from Mainland China.


Art CommunityA joint report by AACT and Greenline highlights the underrepresentation of minority artists in Toronto's art scene, noting the low income levels within this sector.


The art community's services include exhibition information, artist databases, and other resources essential for artists' growth and engagement.

PersonaAACT identifies three primary audiences
Non-Asian/non-artists
Asian non-artists
Asian artists.

The belief that art is accessible to everyone underpins AACT's inclusive definition of an artist, not limited by professional or academic qualifications.

Therefore, we aim to empower individuals to express themselves through creativity, initiating their own non-professional artistic journeys.

AACT Website Development
The AACT Official Website serves as the central information hub for the community, providing detailed insights into the organization's diverse events and activities, including cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, educational workshops, and community outreach initiatives. 
www.aact.community

Site MapHeritage Month Feature
A dedicated section for celebrating and highlighting Heritage Month activities and events.

Regular Activities
Information about ongoing and regular events organized by AACT.

Learning/Publication
 A visual archive showcasing past events, activities, and notable moments in AACT's history.

BrandingTaking inspiration from the art of Chinese calligraphy, we have ingeniously transformed the four letters of AACT into a captivating "temple," utilizing the symbols of language to signify its Asian roots.


Online Gallery - Manifesto Space
Manifesto Space is an innovative online think tank committed to disrupting the dominant narratives in the contemporary art world. By harnessing the vast potential of digital platforms, our mission is to foster an inclusive space that highlights a variety of artistic expressions, supports up-and-coming artists, and sparks meaningful dialogues that challenge conventional viewpoints. 

manifesto-space.com

Site MapExhibitions Overview
A central hub showcasing current and past exhibitions, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the diverse array of artworks and thematic explorations presented by Manifesto Space.

Detailed Sections
Dedicated areas within each exhibition that delve deeper into specific themes, artists, or artistic movements, offering a more focused exploration of the subjects.

Project Highlights
Individual project showcases within each section, presenting detailed insights, artist statements, and visual documentation to offer an immersive experience of each featured work.


BrandingAs a key element of the AACT brand, we've meticulously designed the branding for Manifesto Space, our associated online gallery. 

This platform is our statement against the prevailing norms in the contemporary art scene. In keeping with the AACT logo's style, we've elegantly woven in motifs of mountain peaks into the Manifesto Space design, symbolizing our challenge to the status quo.


Future Opportunities
Support for ArtistsArtist Database
Create a visual database for Asian artists, where each artist and their work can be showcased. 

This endeavor could significantly enhance the connection between these artists and the mainstream community, potentially improving their visibility and opportunities for collaboration.

Consultation Service
Offer consultation services that are tailored to the specific needs of artists. This could include assistance with personal branding, securing gallery representation, career planning, and providing industry insights. 

Enhanced User InteractionAnonymous Post
Introduce a feature that would allow users to share their experiences within the Asian community, including the option to do so anonymously.
 
This platform could encourage a dialogue that fosters greater understanding and unity within the community through shared experiences and stories.

Resource Center
Establish a resource center that would act as a central hub, connecting artists and community members with a wide array of organizations, communities, and services. 

This might involve partnerships with non-profits and governmental bodies, potentially offering a wealth of support and opportunities to our community. 


How we approach this

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Research
Business strategy & analysis
Brainstorming
Mood board
Persona
Information architecture
Ideation
Wireframe
Development
Iteration