Donated proceeds from the new Obscura Collection will invest in the future of design.
Be Original Americas is delighted to announce a new partnership with Skyline Designs in support of the annual Be Original Americas Student Fellowship Program. From June to November 2021, Skyline Designs will donate a portion of sales of their new Obscura Collection, designed by Suzanne Tick, to help fund programming and operations for the 2022 session of the design advocacy group’s signature educational initiative.
First held in 2016, the Be Original Americas Student Fellowship was created to offer two students from university programs in design or related fields unprecedented access and hands-on-experience on location at some of Architecture and Design’s most innovative and reputable companies. By instilling an appreciation for authenticity and educating on the entire product life-cycle, the program helps to define the future of the design community by standards of integrity and creativity, fighting back against the proliferation of knock-offs in the industry, which hurt consumers and creators alike. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was re-imagined as a virtual fellowship and lecture program, reaching more than 3,400 emerging design professionals in 33 countries across 5 continents. Currently, the 2021 Virtual Student Fellowship, which runs through June 25th, 2021, is bringing design insight and fostering community among thousands more. In 2022, with Skyline Design’s support, Be Original Americas plans to re-incorporate in-person learning opportunities into the virtual programming as they celebrate 10 years of tireless design advocacy.
A recognized innovator in glass manufacturing, the Chicago-based Skyline Design has chosen to donate a portion of sales from their latest Obscura Collection, a PVC-free polyester privacy film system which exemplifies their combination of architectural expertise and artistic expression. Obscura is designed by Suzanne Tick, who is also a Be Original Americas member in her own right. An elegant interpretation of the horizon line, Obscura calls to mind an optimistic view on what lies ahead, making it a fitting choice to support the educational goals of the Be Original Americas Student Fellowship. Says Charles Rizzo, Skyline Design Founder, “For more than 30 years, authenticity has driven innovation and achievement at Skyline. We are thrilled that our contributions will help grow the passion and knowledge of young designers as they begin to build authentic design legacies of their own.”
Says Coleman Gutshall, President, Be Original Americas, “The Be Original America’s mission statement includes our belief in true partners–those who share our ideals and join the fight to defend and inspire original design. Skyline Design is just that, a true partner, and we are deeply grateful for their generous support that will bring more awareness to not only the Fellowship program, but to our mission as a whole.”
Visit skydesign.com for more information on Obscura.