Each week, we highlight the different youth, artists, designers and volunteers supporting NIriqatiginnga, exploring their background, inspiration, and unique artistic journeys. This week we interview MCAD student Connor Johnson.
Connor, alongside fellow arts and design students from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design will be presenting for the 2024 Arctic Congress 29 May to 3 June 2024 in Bodø, Norway. The Congress includes high-level plenary sessions, several parallel sessions, network activities, and social and cultural events. It also brings excellent opportunities for researchers, policymakers, businesses, and students to increase their connectivity and knowledge exchange on Arctic issues. IASSA and UArctic will also hold their assemblies.
What are you studying at MCAD?
“BFA in Product Design with a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship.”
What is your favorite food?
“My mom’s chicken noodle soup.”
What is one goal you hope to accomplish?
“To run a business that does projects true to the mission and is not based on anyone else’s opinions.”
What tips do you have for someone who may be replicating the workshop you designed?
“I would say to bend the form of the workshop so it works best for you! The workshop was designed with the winter in mind, but it is mainly focused on creating a circular economy (minimizing waste), participant interaction, connecting with urban nature, and giving people hope.
The season the workshop takes place can be adjusted, but keeping these same themes consistent should help with deciding on what the workshop entails. There is no right or wrong answer to creating this workshop as long as you are helping people. This workshop addressed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of mental health and overall wellbeing by being outside and connecting with Elders.”
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From all of us at Niriqatiginnga, we’re thankful to Connor and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for contributing to the success of our projects this year. As a small and grassroots, locally and regionally-focused program, it’s through volunteers like these emerging artists, academics and food sector entrepreneurs coming together that really makes the difference. The students and youth have demonstrated exemplary work and leadership for this international, collaborative pilot project.
About the Creative Entrepreneurship Program
Artists, designers, and business leaders need creativity, imagination, and technical skills to make an impact. Creative practices are increasingly contributing to the overall economy, meaningful employment, sustainability jobs, and innovative businesses. To add real value, creatives need to address economic, environmental, and social complexities emerging from globalization. The growth of jobs in sustainability and mission-driven businesses calls for leaders who are adaptable, collaborative, innovative, and action-oriented.
In this program, students get hands-on experience to develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills. Using teamwork and collaboration, they gain the confidence to apply creativity to a project or business with transformative economic, social, and environmental results. As MCAD’s only Bachelor of Science degree, and the region’s only art and design college with this type of major, the program offers opportunities to work on real client or community-based projects. It’s also the first in the nation to offer a concentration in climate entrepreneurship, an exciting practice of engaging stakeholders, refining their designs, demonstrating success in the market, and then deploying solutions for greater global impact.
Click here to learn more about the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Bachelor of Science in Creative Entrepreneurship.
