This past spring, Genie Tran ’22 participated in our first ever Launch Program with Forecast Public Art as a funded design/illustration fellow. Forecast Public Art is a nonprofit organization that activates, inspires, and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity.

Please enjoy this short interview:

What were some of your goals going into this fellowship? 

I have always admired the work that Forecast does for public art and the Twin Cities, so when I heard about the fellowship, I knew I wanted to work with them. With this fellowship, I wanted to be actively participating in my community through my art making. Applying to the fellowship, I wanted to both contribute to Forecast, as well as learn how to work for and with a nonprofit.

What did your project/work look like? 

Forecast needed a rebranding of their social media and donation assets, so the majority of my time with them was spent creating social media, as well as presentation templates for different events and needs. There were additional projects such as identity design or layout design.

What were you inspired by during the fellowship? 

During my time with Forecast, I found that I really appreciated how thoughtful and supportive they are. Doing a completely online fellowship along with grad school and internship during the pandemic has been hard on me at times, and Forecast has been incredibly understanding. I’m inspired by their care for one another and for the people that work with them.

What were your takeaways about your work, career, or practice? 

I have learned the importance of communication within an organization and I’m working on bettering myself on that going forward as well. Most importantly, Forecast leads with compassion. I feel the passion they have for the work they create, for each other and it’s something I think is important for me to carry on to my current practice and future work.

---

For More Information:

Website: https://genietran.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @genie____tran