Where is our diversity? : Questions of visibility and representation in Australian graphic design

Abstract

Research Journal of the Australian Graphic Design Association This polemical discussion explores the lack of diversity of representation in Australian graphic design. It questions what it means that the image and voice of a cultural field is limited to a narrow category of individuals, especially when there is increased awareness across society of the value of opening representation to previously excluded or marginalised groups. The discussion of diversity builds on established analyses of the situation for women in graphic design. This may seem to skew the argument towards issues of gender not diversity, but the matter of women's participation in design is an open, if unresolved, topic of discussion. The nature and extent of other groups' participation in design remains largely unstated and undocumented due to the sensitivity of broaching issues of ethnicity and indigeneity in Australian society. The paper argues that a creative industry that lacks plurality and inclusiveness in its leadership is unlikely to provide the nuanced, receptive and well-informed responses required to communicate to a diverse Australian public. The paper does not seek to provide answers to the questions it raises. Rather, its aim is to prompt discussion about the nature of graphic design as an industry and a cultural institution.