Blurred abstract background with blue, green, orange, red, and white colors.
Children playing basketball on an outdoor court during a community event with many people in the background.

About Us

Art Dept. is a multidisciplinary design and art studio working across exhibition design, public art, visual identity, and spatial storytelling. Our practice moves fluidly between art and design, supporting projects that require both conceptual rigor and hands-on execution.

We collaborate with institutions, organizations, and cultural partners to develop work that is responsive to context, grounded in research, and built with intention. Whether shaping an exhibition, designing a visual system, or realizing a public artwork, we approach each project with the same care: listening closely, thinking critically, and making decisions that serve both people and place.

Art Dept. was founded on the belief that versatility is not a lack of focus, but a strength. Our work spans disciplines and scales, allowing us to adapt to the needs of each project while maintaining a consistent approach—thoughtful, collaborative, and purpose-driven.

At the core of our practice is collaboration. We work with a hand-picked network of artists, designers, writers, fabricators, and cultural workers, assembling teams that are right-sized and right-fit for each project. This flexible model allows us to move with intention while staying responsive to complexity.

The result is work that does more than look good. It communicates clearly, honors context, and lives meaningfully in the world.

“Jack of all trades, master of none,
but oftentimes better than master of one.”

attributed to William Shakespeare

Our services.

  • Exhibition & Spatial Design

    Exhibition design and layout
    Spatial storytelling and interpretive planning
    Graphic systems for exhibitions
    Object placement, wayfinding, and wall texts
    Installation direction and on-site support

  • Public Art & Placemaking

    Permanent and temporary public artworks
    Murals, mosaics, and site-responsive installations
    Community engagement and concept development
    Artist-led design-build projects
    Fabrication and production oversight

  • Visual Identity & Graphic Design

    Brand and visual identity systems
    Campaign and program graphics
    Print and digital materials
    Environmental graphics and signage
    Toolkits and templates for long-term use

  • Art Direction & Creative Strategy

    Concept development and visual direction
    Creative leadership for multi-part projects
    Cross-disciplinary coordination
    Advisory and ideation support
    Vision-setting for cultural initiatives

  • Research, Writing & Content Development

    Content strategy and narrative development
    Interpretive writing and editorial collaboration
    Archival and community-based research
    Oral history and storytelling frameworks

  • Production & Installation Support

    Production planning and coordination
    Budgeting and fabrication management
    Vendor and fabricator collaboration
    Installation management and oversight