Art Matters Festival

Art Matters is a non-profit festival that has existed since 2000 in Montréal/Tiohtia:ke. By now, it’s been called the largest student run art festival in North America.

Funded by fee-levies, student-written grants, and fundraising. Art Matters is a non-profit, honorarium-based initiative. Its main goal is to get people working together, encouraging students from different artistic practices to exchange meaningful artistic endeavors.

Art Matters starts dialogue between students and professionals. Provides galleries and venues across the city as platforms to promote artwork, as well as hosting a Speaker Series and workshops.

Goal: for the 2023 edition of the Art Matters Festival, the task consisted on conceiving its new virtual platform and home, as it has happened every year since its foundation in the year 2000.

To design a web space inspired by the the visual identity of this year’s Art Matters and concept of cut/out(be)longing . A dual theme that the coordinators have adopted as the keyword for this edition. This dual theme addresses the dual perspective in relation to community and origin; to be a part of something, or apart from it. Whether it is removing a piece from a group, or a removed portion seeking to return to it, we want to look at the ways in which we relate to ourselves and to others, how we feel things fit together or stand out.

This project consited on creating two proposals which included original options to reform and reshape the Art Matters Website. The new proposal should provide a different format and design from previous years and create something completely new. Website clarity and a user-friendly experience are priorities.

This project recognizes also the importance of virtual platforms as part of public spaces for social interaction between individuals. The interface should be engaging, efficient, accessible, and reflect the festivals mandate as well as its visual identity and guiding keyword: cut/out(be)longing It should also be easily adapted to different devices. During this project there was room to take risks and touch on trends, as the visual identity only has a lifespan of one year.

PROPOSAL 1

The proposed project is centered around creating a Playful website design with a focus on incorporating simple elements, gradient colors in the background, a vertical menu with a fixed position, and rounded angles.

The primary objective is to infuse an element of fun and creativity into the overall aesthetic while maintaining a clean and user-friendly layout. The use of simple elements will ensure a minimalist approach, allowing the website's content to shine through effortlessly. Background gradients will add a dynamic touch, providing depth and visual interest to the site. The vertical menu, strategically positioned to stay fixed while scrolling down, will enhance navigation ease and accessibility for users.

Lastly, the incorporation of rounded angles throughout the design will soften the edges, lending a playful and inviting vibe to the entire website. Overall, this proposal aims to deliver a delightful and engaging web experience that captivates users with its simplicity and lighthearted charm.

MOBILE DESIGN
PROTOTYPES

PROPOSAL 2: SELECTED WEBSITE

The second proposal seeks to establish a captivating website design by combining minimalistic aesthetics with playful elements. Emphasizing clean lines and uncluttered layouts, this approach will enable content to take center stage while incorporating whimsical touches to maintain an element of fun.

A distinctive feature of this proposal is the use of color-specific sections, where each section is defined by a unique and vibrant color palette, enhancing visual interest and aiding users in distinguishing different content areas effortlessly. The horizontal menu, with the option for either absolute or fixed positioning, will promote smooth and intuitive navigation, ensuring easy access to key sections of the site.

Additionally, the deliberate incorporation of 90-degree angles will provide an edgy and contemporary feel, injecting a touch of boldness into the overall design. By blending minimalism and playfulness with color-centric divisions and sharp angles, this proposal aims to craft an aesthetically dynamic website that delivers both an enjoyable user experience and an impactful visual impression.