There is a severe and noted underrepresentation of Black artists and designers in the design industry. Issues of cultural misappropriation are coupled with a lack of historical and cultural awareness—and it needs to change. Malene Barnett sought to bring about change when she founded the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) in 2018, with a mission to “Build a more equitable and inclusive creative culture by advancing a community of independent Black artists, makers, and designers in creative industries.” 
Malene Barnett is an artist based in Brooklyn, NY. She founded the Black Artist + Designer’s Guild to combat a lack of representation of Black talent and culture in the design industry. It is a global platform seeking to represent a curated collection of independent Black artists, makers, and designers at the top of their game. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:25] Natalie’s TikTok themed dreams
[3:30] Malene Barnett’s background in art + design
[5:50] Bringing issues of inequality to the forefront
[9:05] Had Malene seen improvement with the movement?
[10:55] The biggest challenge was getting support and people behind it
[12:27] What is the selection process like for designers who want to join?
[15:14] What does demolishing and rebuilding look like in education?
[16:34] Credit must be given to the originators
[18:20] Steps to take to support change (+ design reform)
[21:40] Cultural misappropriation in the design world
[24:06] What the mission and vision of the Black Artists + Design Guild
[26:53] What up Wingnut! Round
[29:02] How to connect with Malene Barnett
[32:26] Blooper Reel!

Connect with Malene Barnett
Black Artists + Designers Guild
BADG on Instagram
Malene’s Design Website
Malene on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned
BOOK: I’m Not Done Yet by Dr. Cynthia Barnett
BOOK: White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
BOOK: Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
What’s New What’s Next
Fabricut
Made Goods
Vaughan Lighting
De Le Cuona
Elle Decor
House Beautiful 
Luxe Magazine
Business of Home
Architectural Digest

The biggest challenges the movement faces
When Malene founded BADG the support she garnished was very minimal. People would say, “Oh, that’s a nice gesture” but weren’t truly supporting her vision. ButMalene didn’t ask anybody for anything. She points out that most Black-owned businesses don’t have access to loans or family members who can invest in them. They’ve always relied on their community to support them. That’s why there needs to be more support from the design industry. 
With the recent movement brought to the forefront, Malene is seeing large companies reach out to develop long-term partnerships. It’s a step in the right direction. But there still needs to be significant improvement. Malene emphasizes that systems need to be demolished. This awareness of social justice and equality isn’t new. The uproars have happened over time. Malene notes that it’s a constant battle: “We’ve always been fighting for the right to just be and be human.” 
There’s a lot of work that has to be done. Malene shares how the design industry is one of the least transparent industries—keep listening to hear why. 
Design education needs to be demolished and rebuilt 
Malene firmly believes that the whole design education system needs to be rebuilt. She points out that if you go to school for design, you’re usually being taught from the European perspective. Students are being fed the lie that modern design is European—but it isn’t. Modern design is of African descent. 
Malene uses Picasso as an example. He is credited with being one of the most influential artists of the 20th century—but much of his work isn’t truly his. He spent time in West Africa studying Yoruba sculptures. He was given the credit for the movement, but the basis of his art was Yoruba art. 
“We need to rewrite this narrative and give the credit to the originators of creativity and design and start leading wit