Local Chapter Votes to Officially Change Name to AIGA San Diego Tijuana
Over the course of nearly three decades, AIGA San Diego and has cultivated cross-cultural relationship among design professionals throughout San Diego, Tijuana and the greater Baja region. The AIGA San Diego board of directors recently voted to rename the organization to reflect the bi-national collaboration and membership from Tijuana and Baja. The motion was approved unanimously. AIGA San Diego Tijuana – or AIGA SDTJ – will be the nonprofit organization’s identity moving forward.
“AIGA San Diego and designers in Tijuana have fostered cross border relations for more than 25 years,” says AIGA Board Member and Chair of Cross Border Relations Máximo Escobedo. “Many fruitful collaborations have evolved from this connection, and these shape our regional design community. This expansion is a natural next step in recognizing and celebrating our unique cross-cultural impact.”
The announcement aligns with preparations for World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024. San Diego and Tijuana is the first binational and U.S. designation to be selected for the honor, which shines a global spotlight on the many contributions of the region’s rich design community.
AIGA San Diego Tijuana Chapter President MaeLin Levine is passionate about the importance and longevity of the alliance.
“The energy that the Baja design community brings is undeniable and invigorating. We envision a new model of cross-cultural intersection that benefits everyone.”
MaeLin Levine, President, AIGA San Diego Tijuana
“AIGA presents both design communities with tremendous opportunities and value,” says Levine. “We are committed to thinking outside of the box to maximize every opportunity to combine forces. The energy that the Baja design community brings is undeniable and invigorating. We envision a new model of cross-cultural intersection that benefits everyone.“
Without question the effort is gaining momentum on both sides of the border. Arturo Elenes is a Tijuana-based designer. Elenes is also an AIGA San Diego Tijuana Board Member, Advisor to San Diego Design Week and Co-Founder of Enigma Creative.
“This acknowledges the powerful relationship the design communities from San Diego and Tijuana have established through the years,” Elenes says in regard to the Board’s decision. “We already have cross-border and multicultural conversations, collaborations and friendship, this is a step in providing a solid framework that can foster opportunities for years to come.”
ABOUT AIGA SAN DIEGO TIJUANA
AIGA San Diego was established in 1987 as a chapter of AIGA, the Professional Association of Design. In 2022 the Chapter expanded to encompass both San Diego and Tijuana, in acknowledgement of the unique binational culture that has evolved between designers in the Southern California and Baja region. Founded in 1914, AIGA now comprises more than 70 chapters worldwide and exists to advocate for a greater understanding of the value of design and designers in government, business and media. AIGA SDTJ has distinguished itself beyond typical professional networking organizations as an action-oriented nonprofit focused on advocacy, community contribution and impact. This is reflected in nationally-recognized initiatives such as the annual Y Conference, the Urban Art Trail, Tweet Street Urban Park, the Soviet Poster Exhibition, Contact-o Binational Exhibition and more. The organization serves the San Diego Tijuana region as the voice of design leadership, and champions design as a powerful change agent essential to the greater good of the community.
