ArchiteXX's “Now What?!” exhibition examines the past and future of activism in American architecture

Non-profit organization ArchiteXX's “Now What?! Advocacy, Activism, and Alliances in American Architecture since 1968” is a can't-miss exhibition that examines the overlooked history of architects and designers who were — and still remain — at the forefront of the profession's participation in the larger civil rights, women's, and LGBTQ movements over the last 50 years. 

Since its debut at the Pratt Institute in May, the pop-up exhibition is traveling coast to coast across the U.S. Its next pitstop will be at the WUHO Gallery in Los Angeles starting September 1 through October 15 — plus an opening reception on September 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. In every location the exhibition visits, it will incorporate each city's local histories of activist architects and designers.

Curated by Lori A. Brown, Andrea J. Merrett, Sarah Rafson, and Roberta Washington and featuring new additional materials for the WUHO show, “Now What?!” features never-before-seen content, conversations, and stories that give an in-depth look at activism and diversity in American design professions, from 1968 to the new wave of advocacy in recent years.

The exhibition aims to educate and directly engage visitors in critical conversations related to history, progress, and the built environment, and it highlights the national and grassroots efforts by a coalition of organizations and professionals still working to push the American design industry forward.

“Now What?!” serves as yet another important reminder to always take a good hard look at history in order to find new ways forward into the future. It also reminds design professionals to see themselves as agents of positive change for their communities and beyond.

Learn more at nowwhat-architexx.org.