AOD X Comic Con
View(s):- Empowering Gen Z through Design: Social Impact Superheroes for a Cause
Partnering with Northumbria University in the UK, AOD offers a range of Bachelor’s degree programmes, including BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textile Design, Fashion Design and Marketing, Interior Design, Graphics & Visual Communication Design, and Motion Graphics and Animation Design. These programmes are meticulously designed to help students realise their creative potential while making a positive impact on society. AOD’s commitment to a design-led approach is evident in how it continuously evolves to meet the needs of both students and the broader community.
One area where AOD’s dedication to social responsibility shines is in its focus on mental health, an issue of growing concern globally and particularly among the younger generation. Among the many factors contributing to mental health issues, bullying is a prominent cause, often leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms such as upset stomachs, headaches, and muscle pain. These issues profoundly impact individuals and society as a whole. Recognising the critical importance of addressing these challenges, AOD has developed an innovative initiative that merges design with social advocacy: the creation of “Social Impact Superheroes.”
This unique campaign, launched in collaboration with a leading mental health organization in Sri Lanka, along with Kavitha Amarathunga, psychologist, lecturer in psychology, and co-founder of Perero Wellness, as well as the counsellor at AOD, and Comic Con Sri Lanka, a vibrant annual celebration of comics and related popular art forms, aims to raise awareness about mental health in an engaging and relatable way. By inviting school students to create their own superheroes who champion mental health causes, AOD seeks to break down the stigma surrounding these issues and encourage open dialogue.
The Social Impact Superheroes programme, set to kick off in September, will span over two months and include a series of workshops, awareness programmes, feedback sessions, competitions, and exhibition. Targeting students aged 14 to 19, the initiative is divided into two categories: ages 14 to 16 and ages 17 to 19. This segmentation ensures that students engage with the theme of mental health in ways that are both age-appropriate and impactful.
The programme begins with workshops led by Kavitha Amarathunga, where students will gain a deeper understanding of mental health, its challenges, and the ways in which individuals and communities can address these issues. Kavitha’s expertise in mental health will be instrumental in helping students create superhero characters that resonate with the real-world experiences of those affected by mental health challenges. By educating students on these critical issues, the programme aims to empower them to use their creativity for social good.
Comic Con Sri Lanka, known for its celebration of comics, movies, gaming, and cosplay, adds an exciting dimension to the competition. By partnering with AOD, Comic Con Sri Lanka provides a platform where these Social Impact Superheroes can come to life. Through the resources and community engagement that Comic Con offers, students will have the opportunity to develop their characters in a way that reflects the dynamic nature of pop culture while staying true to the serious issues they aim to address.
With 10 years of experience in leading the Motion Graphics and Animation Design programme in Sri Lanka, and having produced prestigious alumni such as Poornima Meegammana—a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree and founder of the Shilpa Sayura Foundation—AOD’s expertise in design education, particularly in its Graphics & Visual Communication Design and Motion Graphics and Animation Design programmes, is pivotal. This expertise plays a crucial role in guiding participants in the creating “Social Impact Superheroes” workshops and competition. The workshops emphasise the importance of visual communication and character development, with insights from AOD’s experienced faculty and industry professionals. This hands-on approach ensures that students not only refine their design skills but also understand the power of design as a tool for social change.
The impact of the Social Impact Superheroes initiative is intended to extend far beyond the competition itself. The winning superhero characters will be further developed, serving as mascots for ongoing educational campaigns and promotional materials aimed at raising awareness about mental health. These characters will also be prominently featured at the Sri Lanka Design Festival 2024, the country’s largest celebration of design and creativity, organised by AOD in collaboration with local and international partners.
This collaborative effort between AOD, Comic Con Sri Lanka and a pioneering Mental Health Organization is more than just a competition; it is a movement that empowers young people to use their creativity for social good. By participating, students are not only honing their design skills but also contributing to a cause that can have a lasting impact on their peers and society as a whole.
AOD invites the young generation of Sri Lanka to join this exciting and meaningful initiative by applying on or before September 13, 2024. To learn more about how to participate in the Social Impact Superheroes competition, interested students and parents can contact AOD at 0775727772, email info@aod.lk, or visit the Colombo Innovation Tower between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
This competition represents a unique opportunity for young Sri Lankans to become heroes in their own right—champions of mental health and advocates for positive change in their communities.
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