The Merits of Micro-sabotage
Exploring new ways to demonstrate how art and design can reshape cultural conversations about ethics and equality.
Background
After experiencing a few Airbnb Design—Talks events, SFMOMA expressed an interest in collaborating on an event that would fund the museum's exhibitions and education programs. I identified this partnership as an opportunity to accomplish SFMOMA’s goals around fundraising and expanding their audience base. It also served as an opportunity to drive Airbnb Design’s objectives around awareness and brand perception in the creative community.
After investigating a variety of concepts, we landed on hosting a women’s fundraising gala that explored how consistent, tiny acts of rebellion against the status quo can eventually shift dominant perspectives and unlock change over time. The event, The Merits of Micro Sabotage, featured the work of artists Minerva Cuevas and Alexandra Bell—two powerful women based in Mexico City and New York—that are disrupting the political and social status quo. The programming explored how their micro rebellions range from altering barcodes in grocery stores to redacting news headlines in public spaces—both of them calling to question the social effects of media, economic policies, capitalism, and politics on communities. Deena Chalabi, SFMOMA Associate Curator of Public Dialogue, moderated the conversation which explored the ways design and art can reshape cultural conversations about ethics, and equality.
Results
We achieved SFMOMA’s fundraising goals for the event through ticket sales, donations, and a 102% attendance rate. The museum called it their best collaboration within their program. This event expanded Airbnb’s reach within the creative community and also increased our credibility within the arts community, paving the way for future partnerships.
Core Team /
Sarah Goezen (producer), Amber Cartwright (curation), Alex Anderson (curation), & Jacqueline Rais, and Laura Cuniff (SFMOMA Leads), Adrian Walker (photographer) and Aneesa Strings (musician).
My Role /
Airbnb project lead, art director, & strategist