Where Stories Connect Us: Defending Cultural Spaces
A Statement from the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD)
At SEGD, our members shape how people experience museums—through exhibition design, wayfinding, media, and storytelling. We don’t just design spaces; we interpret meaning, elevate voices, and help audiences connect across time and place. Our work brings a multiplicity of stories and perspectives to the forefront, honoring the complexity of history and identity.
Recent federal actions threaten this work.
A Dual Threat to Museums and the Communities They Serve
On March 27, a Presidential Executive Order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” directed the Smithsonian Institution to revise or remove exhibits deemed “divisive” or “anti-American,” focusing particularly on the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the forthcoming Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. The directive demands the erasure of narratives that acknowledge systemic racism, inequality, and the full complexity of American history.
This action alone would be alarming. However, it follows closely on the heels of another grave threat: On March 14, an Executive Order suspended the operations of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums and libraries. As of March 29, the entire IMLS staff was placed on administrative leave, putting at risk critical federal funding for thousands of cultural institutions across the U.S.
As the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) warns:
“Eliminating IMLS would have profound and lasting consequences for education, workforce development, and cultural preservation across the country.”
IMLS grants help institutions of all sizes digitize collections, develop accessible programming, serve veterans and youth, and protect our nation’s diverse cultural heritage—especially in rural and underserved communities. Without this support, entire ecosystems of education, memory, and civic dialogue are at risk.
Designers, Educators, Storytellers: We Must Respond
At SEGD, we stand in solidarity with museum professionals, scholars, educators, and community leaders committed to upholding truth, inclusion, and intellectual freedom.
As Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III recently affirmed:
We remain steadfast in our mission to bring history, science, education, research, and the arts to all Americans. Our work will continue to be shaped by the best scholarship, free of partisanship, to help the American public better understand our nation’s history, challenges, and triumphs.
As SEGD Board Member and Global Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), Aki Carpenter reminds us:
“The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is a project over a century in the making… it stands on generations of effort and vision. It bridges past and present to illuminate the experiences that have shaped this country… and continues to be a vital force for telling living history. Especially in moments like this, we must hold close what we value and continue to do good work wherever we can—it is lasting, and it matters.”
What You Can Do
- Take Action: AAM has created a resource hub with templates and tools to help you contact your representatives and urge the protection of IMLS and museum funding.
- Use Your Voice: Designers, educators, artists, and citizens—your voice matters. Speak up in support of museums’ independence and integrity.
- Support Institutions at Risk: Engage with and amplify the work of museums committed to inclusive, truthful storytelling.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from AAM, the Smithsonian, and trusted sources tracking these critical policy changes.
SEGD’s Commitment
SEGD is rooted in the values of collaboration, inspiration, education, and excellence. We believe design shapes culture—and that defending institutions that preserve, reflect, and question our culture is not just a political act but a professional and moral imperative.